Principle of the Biological Approach
Human behavior is strongly influenced by our genetic makeup and inheritance
Behavioral Genetics
studies how both genetics and environments contribute to human behavior
- we inherent our genetic material, DNA, from our parents
- however, no single gene is responsible for a behavior; it simply provides a building block or it
- but genetics alone do not affect behavior, environmental factors also influence it
Based on this principle, some people may have a predisposition towards a behavior, however, without the appropriate environmental stimuli, the gene is not 'turned on' and the behavior is not expressed
Due to the bidirectional nature of behavior (nature vs nurture), genetic research is based largely on correlation studies
- as a result, cause and effect cannot be determined
5-HTT Gene
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Depression
the most common affective disorder characterized by one or major depressive episodes involving symptoms such as intense sadness, loss of interest in activities, and a range of 'negative' thoughts, feelings, and behaviors
Study Used
Caspi et Al. (2003): 5-HTT Genes and Depression