Abstract (eng)
This paper explores the influence of genetic markers on the development of infant attachment. For this endeavour the genetic markers of the Dopamin Receptor D4 Gene (DRD4) and the Serotonin Transporter Gene (5HTTLPR) from the child, mother and father are provided. The attachment quality of the mother-child and father-child attachment is measured with the Attachment Q-Sort method. The DRD4 and 5HTTLPR genetic markers seem to be involved in the process of emotion regulation for children and adults. In fact, genetic effects on the mother-child attachment quality, measured with the Strange Situation procedure, have been found. This paper focuses on the interaction effects between the genetic markers of child and mother or child and father on attachment quality.
The results show no main effects of the child’s genotype on mother-infant and father-infant attachment. While the mother’s genotype (5HTTLPR-ss) is related to a more secure attachment quality, the father’s genotype (5HTTLPR-ss) is related to a less secure attachment quality.
In addition, significant interaction effects of the genetic marker 5HTTLPR on mother-infant attachment quality and attachment components have been found. The mother-child attachment quality benefits the most if both mother and child carry two short-alleles of the Serotonin Transporter gene (5HTTLPR). On the other hand, no interaction effects for the father-infant attachment and no genetic contribution by DRD4 gene markers have been found.
A better understanding of the genetic interaction-effects of child’s and parent’s genotypes plays a central role for future research as it helps decoding the complex development of human attachment.