Basics of the Study
What was the main purpose of the Aguilera et al. study?T
To explore how childhood adversity and genetics interact to influence the risk of developing depression in adulthood.
What role does the serotonin transporter gene play in the brain?
It helps regulate serotonin, a neurotransmitter that affects mood, stress response, and emotional regulation.
Which types of childhood experiences were most linked to depression in adulthood?
Emotional abuse, emotional neglect, and sexual abuse.
What does this study teach us about how mental health develops?
It develops from a mix of biological factors (like genes) and life experiences (like trauma).
Why is it important to study emotional and sexual abuse, not just physical abuse, when it comes to depression?
Because emotional and sexual abuse can have stronger and more lasting effects on mental health.
What kinds of childhood experiences did the researchers focus on?
Emotional abuse, physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional neglect, and physical neglect.
What does the BDNF gene do for the brain and mood?
It supports neuron growth, learning, memory, and the brain’s ability to recover from stress.
How did people with certain genetic traits respond differently to childhood adversity?
Those with the “sensitive” versions of the genes (like the S allele for serotonin or the Met allele for BDNF) were more likely to develop depression after trauma.
Why might two people who go through the same childhood experiences have different outcomes?
Because their genetic makeup can make one person more sensitive to trauma than the other.
Two people experienced emotional neglect. One develops depression as an adult, the other doesn’t. Why might that happen?
The one who develops depression may have genetic variations that make them more sensitive to trauma.
What did the researchers measure in the participants as adults?
Their levels of depressive symptoms.
How can different versions of a gene make people react differently to childhood adversity?
Some gene variations make people more sensitive to stress, meaning they’re more likely to develop depression after adversity.
What did the study reveal about the impact of sexual abuse on long-term mental health?
Sexual abuse had one of the strongest links to depression and was more impactful in people with certain genetic vulnerabilities.
How could understanding gene-environment interactions help therapists or doctors?
It helps them create more personalized treatment plans and understand why people respond differently to similar experiences.
If someone faced childhood adversity but doesn’t have the “sensitive” gene, how might their adult outcomes differ?
They might be less likely to develop depression or might cope more effectively with stress.
Why did the researchers want to look at both genes and environment instead of just one?
Because depression is influenced by a combination of genetic vulnerability and life experiences — neither alone fully explains it.
Why might some people be more sensitive to stressful experiences than others?
Because their genetic makeup influences how their brain responds to stress and trauma.
What did the researchers learn about how genes and environment work together?
They interact — genetic differences can make someone more or less affected by early trauma.
How does this research show the importance of supporting people who’ve faced adversity?
It highlights that early experiences have long-term effects and that support can reduce the risk of depression.
How could a therapist use information about a client’s genetics when planning treatment?
They could tailor therapy to address heightened sensitivity and focus on coping strategies for trauma.
True or false: All forms of childhood adversity had the same effect on adult mental health.
False. Emotional abuse, emotional neglect, and sexual abuse were strongly linked to depression, but physical abuse and neglect were not.
True or false: Genes by themselves determine if someone will have depression.
False. Genes alone don’t cause depression — it’s the interaction between genes and environment that matters.
Did having both gene variations make the effects of adversity stronger?
No. The study didn’t find a significant three-way interaction when looking at both genes together.
Fill in the blank: Mental health is shaped by both ______ and ______.
Genes and environment.
Imagine two siblings with different genetic makeups who experienced the same trauma. What might their adult lives look like?
One might struggle with depression due to genetic sensitivity, while the other might be more resilient and have fewer mental health issues.