The Determinants of Parenting in GxE Perspective: A Case of Differential Susceptibility?

Abstract

Much research on how the environment affects development, especially that pertaining to the conditions under which environmental influence operates, is informed by the diathesis-stress model of environmental action. This stipulates that certain individuals are particularly vulnerable to the negative effects of contextual adversity due to personal characteristics, whereas others lacking these attributes are resilient. Mileva and Fleming (see record 2010-26314-001) interpret some of their own and others' research on the determinants of parenting from this perspective. I offer an alternative framework for thinking about the issue. The differential susceptibility perspective stipulates that some are more and others are less susceptible to both adverse and supportive environments (i.e., not just "vulnerable" to adversity). Evidence consistent with this claim is highlighted. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2012 APA, all rights reserved)