title: Externalizing Problem Behavior in Adolescence: Dopaminergic Genes in Interaction with Peer Acceptance and Rejection.
abstract: Molecular gene-by-environment studies primarily have focuses on the parent-child relationship as an environmental factor, whereas studies including peer relationships as environmental factor are rare. However, the effects of the peer context may not be the same for all adolescents due to biological characteristics. This study examined whether the effects of peer rejection and acceptance on externalizing behavior depend upon adolescents' genotype for the dopamine transporter (DAT1) or receptor D4 (DRD4) gene. In a sample of 563 adolescents (52% girls; Mage = 13.81), saliva samples, within-classroom peer nominations, and multi-informant behavior ratings were collected. Peer rejection, but not acceptance, was associated with externalizing problems. One out of eight models tested for rule-breaking behavior showed genetic moderation. According to the Roisman criteria, there was evidence for the differential susceptibility hypothesis. DAT1 10R carriers showed more rule-breaking behavior according to parents when experiencing high peer rejection, but less rule-breaking behavior when experiencing low peer rejection. The long DRD4 variant was associated with less aggression, but no moderation effects were found. The results are discussed in light of the differential susceptibility hypothesis and the reward sensitivity mechanism.
authors.affiliation: Parenting and Special Education Research Unit, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, KU Leuven, Leopold Vanderkelenstraat 32, Box 3765, 3000, Leuven, Belgium, Annelies.Janssens@ppw.kuleuven.be.
authors.forename: Annelies
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Janssens
authors.forename: Wim
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Van Den Noortgate
authors.forename: Luc
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Goossens
authors.forename: Karine
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Verschueren
authors.forename: Hilde
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Colpin
authors.forename: Steven
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: De Laet
authors.forename: Stephan
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Claes
authors.forename: Karla
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Van Leeuwen
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000294:Adolescent Behavior; D000987:Antisocial Personality Disorder / Q000235:genetics*; D050483:Dopamine Plasma Membrane Transport Proteins / Q000235:genetics*; D005260:Female; D005787:Gene Frequency; D059647:Gene-Environment Interaction; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010379:Peer Group; D050638:Receptors, Dopamine D4 / Q000235:genetics*; D012307:Risk Factors
chemical_list: C493599:DRD4 protein, human; D050483:Dopamine Plasma Membrane Transport Proteins; C493214:SLC6A3 protein, human; D050638:Receptors, Dopamine D4