Invited Address: “The Times They Are A-Changin’” Gene Expression, Neuroplasticity, and Developmental Research

Abstract

For good reason, social scientists have a long history of being suspicious of biological explanations of human behavior. Importantly, however, recent paradigmatic shifts in the life sciences have largely obviated these longstanding concerns. We highlight the changes that have occurred in genetics with its movement away from genetic determinism to an emphasis on epigenetics and in neuroscience with its switch from a fixed to a neuroplastic view of the brain. We describe these new developments noting the way they recognize, indeed place a premium upon, the role of the environment. The remainder of the paper focuses upon the challenges and opportunities for social scientists, especially those involved in developmental work, proffered by these paradigmatic shifts. The evidence clearly shows that nature and nurture are inextricably interlinked. Importantly, however, it also indicates that they are connected in a manner that honors the priority that the social sciences place upon the environment. We contend that incorporating biological processes into our developmental work will sharpen our theories and enhance their significance. We argue that such biologically integrated models will provide a clearer and more comprehensive understanding of how nurture influences behavior across the life course.

Embodied Making, Creative Cognition and Memory

“…In particular, studies conducted jointly by researchers from the practice fields and the science field have advanced our understanding of the biological basis for the designer's or artist's experiences (Goguen & Myin, 2000;Seitamaa-Hakkarainen, 2015;Seitamaa-Hakkarainen, Huotilainen, Mäkelä, Groth, & Hakkarainen, 2014;Varela et al, 2003;Zaidel, 2005). Similar results emerge from the fields of education or development studies, where such interdisciplinary perspectives have been found to support and expand previous research on complex human behaviors, development, or experiences (Ansari & De Smedt, 2012;De Smedt et al, 2011;Juelskjaer, Moser, & Schilhab, 2008;Simons & Klopack, 2015).…”

Methylation of the oxytocin receptor gene mediates the effect of adversity on negative schemas and depression

“…Epigenetic factors such as methylation appear to be one important mechanism whereby life experiences become biologically embedded and can serve as the physiological underpinnings for cognitive, emotional, and behavioral traits tailored for adaptation to environmental demands (Landecker & Panofsky, 2013; Meloni, 2014; Simons & Klopack, 2015). Building on this idea, the current study investigated the extent to which individuals might adapt to environmental adversity by downregulating the OXTR gene.…”

“…This would reduce responsiveness to oxytocin, thereby fostering a cold, guarded orientation when interacting with others (supported biologically by increased cortisol production, greater activation of the amygdala, etc.). Such calibration of OXTR would be functional from an evolutionary perspective because it prepares the individual for a hostile, unpredictable environment where others are not trustworthy (Simons & Klopack, 2015). Cognitively, this orientation would be similar to the negative cognitive schemas that place a person at risk for depression.…”

Genes, behavior, and behavior genetics

“…We have entered a ‘post‐genomics’ era, an expression widely used by geneticists themselves . While these developments might matter less for ‘monogenic’ inherited disorders such as Huntington's disease, they are clearly important for more complex disorders such as Type I diabetes .…”