Caspi et al ERQ Flashcards
1
Q
What can this study be used for?
A
Gene (molecular) 🧬
2
Q
Year
A
Caspi et al (2003)
3
Q
Aim
A
Test the role of 5-HTT gene in developing depression in response to stressful events
4
Q
Participants
A
1037 children from New Zealand
5
Q
Experimental design
A
A longtitudinal study (natural experiment)
6
Q
Procedure
A
- Genetic mapping was used to divide participants into three groups: 2 short alleles of 5-HTT, one short and one long allele, both long alleles
- Participants were asses longtitudinally between ages 3 and 26.
- A ‘life history calendar’ and an interview were used to asses stressful events and depressive symptoms
7
Q
Results
A
- Participants with 2 short alelles of 5-HTT gene reacted to stressful events with more depressive symptoms
- This wasn’t true for participants who had two long alleles
8
Q
Link to gene effects on behavior
A
- Suggests that there may be genetical predisposition to depression
- Genes may affect our reactions which in turn make us more susceptible to developing a mental condition
9
Q
Evaluation
A
+ Big sample
+
