By: April Carson
As a species, humans like to think that we are fully in control of our decisions and behavior. But just below the surface, forces beyond our conscious control influence how we think and behave: our genes.
Since the 1950s, scientists have been studying the influences genes have on human health. This has led medical professionals, researchers, and policymakers to advocate for the use of precision medicine to personalize diagnosis and treatment of diseases, leading to quicker improvements in patient well-being.
However, the influence of genes on psychology has been overlooked.
Understanding Genetic Conflict Theory
My research addresses how genes influence human psychology and behavior. Here are some specific ways psychologists can use genetic conflict theory to better understand human behavior – and potentially advance the treatment of psychological issues.
Genetic conflict theory proposes that though our genes blend together to make us who we are, they retain markers indicating whether they came from mom or dad. These markers cause the genes to either cooperate or fight with one another as we grow and develop. Research in genetic conflict primarily focuses on pregnancy, since this is one of the few times in human development when the influence of different sets of genes can be clearly observed in one individual.
Typically, maternal and paternal genes have different ideal strategies for growth and development. While genes from mom and dad ultimately find ways to cooperate with one another, resulting in normal growth and development, these genes benefit by nudging fetal development to be slightly more in line with what’s optimal for the parent they come from. Genes from mom try to keep mom healthy and with enough resources left for another pregnancy, while genes from dad benefit from the fetus taking all of mom’s resources for itself.
When genes are not able to compromise, however, this can result in undesirable outcomes such as physical and mental deficits for the baby or even miscarriage.
The Overlooked Influence of Genetic Conflict in Psychology
While genetic conflict is a normal occurrence, its influence has largely been overlooked in psychology. One reason is that researchers assume that genetic cooperation is necessary for the health and well-being of the individual. Another reason is that most human traits are controlled by many genes. For example, height is determined by a combination of 10,000 genetic variants, and skin color is determined by more than 150 genes.
The complex nature of psychology and behavior makes it hard to pinpoint the unique influence of a single gene, let alone which parent it came from. Take, for example, depression. Not only is the likelihood of developing depression influenced by 200 different genes, but it is also affected by environmental inputs such as childhood maltreatment and stressful life events. Researchers have also studied similar complex interactions for stress- and anxiety-related disorders.
Implications for Psychological Treatment
Understanding the role of genetic conflict can offer new insights into the origins of psychological disorders and guide the development of more effective treatments. By recognizing the subtle tug-of-war between maternal and paternal genes, psychologists and medical professionals might be able to devise strategies that account for these genetic influences. This could lead to more personalized and precise interventions, potentially improving outcomes for individuals suffering from psychological issues.
While we may like to believe we are fully in control of our behavior, our genes play a significant role in shaping who we are. By delving deeper into the genetic influences on psychology, we can gain a more comprehensive understanding of human behavior and develop more effective ways to support mental health and well-being.
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About the Blogger:
April Carson is a remarkable individual whose life has been shaped by her determination, dedication, and unwavering passion for both education and sports. Born as the daughter of Billy Carson, she embarked on a journey that would lead her to outstanding achievements and a profound impact on her community.
April's academic journey commenced at Jacksonville University, where she pursued her love for the Social Sciences. She quickly distinguished herself as a diligent student, displaying an insatiable curiosity for understanding the world around her. Her commitment to her studies was matched only by her desire to make a difference in her chosen field.
While her academic pursuits were certainly impressive, it was April's involvement in sports that truly set her apart. She was not just a student at Jacksonville University; she was also a vital member of the Women's Basketball team. On the court, April's dedication and talent were evident for all to see. She exhibited leadership, teamwork, and a relentless drive to excel, qualities that would become hallmarks of her personality both on and off the court.
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