Citation
Vaske, Jamie; Newsome, Jamie; & Wright, John Paul (2012). Interaction of serotonin transporter linked polymorphic region and childhood neglect on criminal behavior and substance use for males and females. Development and Psychopathology. vol. 24 (1) pp. 181-193Abstract
Childhood neglect has been cited as a risk factor for later substance abuse and criminal behavior. However, a large body of literature shows that a substantial percentage of neglected and abused individuals do not go on to abuse substances or engage in criminal behavior. The current study investigates whether a genetic variant (serotonin transporter linked polymorphic region [5-HTTLPR]) in the 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HTT) gene moderates the effect of childhood neglect on alcohol use problems, marijuana use, and criminal behavior. Data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health shows that 5-HTTLPR conditions the effect of neglect on marijuana use for females, but not for males. Findings also reveal a significant gene-environment correlation between 5-HTTLPR and neglect for females only. These results suggest that 5-HTTLPR is associated with an increased risk of neglect for females, and it also increases neglected females' risk of abusing marijuana.URL
http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/S0954579411000769Keyword(s)
GeneticReference Type
Journal ArticleJournal Title
Development and PsychopathologyAuthor(s)
Vaske, JamieNewsome, Jamie
Wright, John Paul