genes, environment, prevention, & intervention

define genotypes

the genetic material an individual inherits

define phenotypes

the observable expression of the genotype, including both body characteristics and behavior

explain how environment and genetics influence traits

• no trait has been shown to be only environmentally influenced

• the part of a trait that is not heritable is attributed to environmental influences

• all traits are genetically influenced

• it is the interplay of genes with the environment that influences how individuals develop

define gene-environment correlations (rGE)

• tendency for individuals to experience environmental circumstances that are correlated with their genotype

• genetic background influences the environment in which children grow up

  • types: passive, active, evocative/reactive

describe the three types of rGE and give examples of each

passive

• parents create a home environment for children that is influenced by their own heritable traits

active

• child seeks out an environment that is consistent with genetic predispositions

evocative/reactive:

• child’s genetic traits bring about a particular environmental response

define gene-environment interactions (GxE)

• phenotypic effects that result from environmental influences interacting with genetic predispositions

• the extent to which genes are expressed depends on environmental circumstances

describe the diathesis-stress model of GxE and give an example

• conditions of extreme stress “activate” genetic predispositions for psychological problems

  • a person with a family history of anxiety disorder (diathesis) experiences a severe car accident (stressor)

  • overtime, the person develops a chronic anxiety disorder

describe the differential susceptibility hypothesis of GxE and give an example

• orchid children have genes which predispose them to emotionality and psychopathology

  • react more strongly to adverse environments

  • bloom very well in nurturing environments

• dandelion children are the norm

  • resilient, can flourish in any environment

  • 80-85% of individuals

• ex: harry potter = dandelion (able to thrive in any environment)

how do the diathesis-stress model and differential susceptibility hypothesis differ

• diathesis-stress model focuses on how existing vulnerabilities are worsened by negative environmental factors only (stress)

  • diathesis-stress model emphasizes vulnerability to negative outcomes only

• differential susceptibility hypothesis proposes that some individuals are more sensitive to both negative and positive environmental influences, making them more susceptible to both harm from adversity and benefits from supportive experiences

  • differential susceptibility hypothesis highlights a "for-better-and-for-worse" effect

describe an underlying mechanism for GxE and how it is proposed to work

methylation

• extra molecules of carbon and hydrogen attach to DNA and keep genes from being experienced as they normally would

• influenced include

  • diet

  • stress

  • smoking/alcohol

  • prenatal environment

describe idiographic factors in case conceptualization and give examples

• consider the client’s unique circumstances, personality, strengths, cultural background, developmental stage

  • specific childhood context

  • cultural background

  • personal strengths

  • anything that’s specifically relevant for how a client might respond to treatment but is unique to that person’s particular circumstance

describe nomothetic factors in case conceptualization and give examples

• consider the research on the client’s particular presenting problem to help select the appropriate treatment and to understand the general pattern of this problem

  • diagnostic criteria

  • known risk factors

  • demographic correlates

  • anything that’s true of many people with a particular disorder

describe the balance between efficacy and effectiveness in translating research studies to real world interventions

• efficacy first shows if an intervention works under controlled, ideal conditions

• effectiveness then tests if it works in the real world with all its complexities and variations

what is a factor that affects the fidelity of an intervention

cultural mismatch

• when there are big differences between the group used to develop and validate an intervention and the group receiving it

  • community readiness

  • number of risk factors

  • language

describe the difference between cultural and local adaptions

cultural

• intentionally modifying interventions usually in a large scale manner

• prior to use in either content or program delivery to address core values and norms

local

• individual practitioners change intervention to help better fit their ideas of what the community needs