Emotional Response to Bullying Is in the Genes

Variation in the serotonin transporter gene influences variability in response to being bullied.

Bullying refers to intentional and repeated acts of verbal harassment or physical assault that causes harm. Children and adolescents exhibit a range of reactions to being bullied, and some children who are bullied develop emotional problems. In a prospective study of 5-year-old same-sex twins in the U.K., researchers tested the hypothesis that genetic variation in the serotonin transporter gene in the region that regulates serotonergic neurotransmission (5-HTTLPR) accounts for this variability in response. The short allele (S) of this gene is associated with lower transcription efficiency than the long allele (L).

About 2000 children were assessed for emotional problems at ages 5 and 12 years using the Child Behavior Checklist (completed by …

Reviewing Author

Martin T. Stein, MD

Disclosures

Consultant / Advisory boardPearson Neuroscience Advisory Board

Speaker’s bureauAmerican Academy of Pediatrics

RoyaltiesElsevier, Inc.

Editorial boardsJournal of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics

Martin T. Stein, MD

Disclosures

Consultant / Advisory boardPearson Neuroscience Advisory Board

Speaker’s bureauAmerican Academy of Pediatrics

RoyaltiesElsevier, Inc.

Editorial boardsJournal of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics