The interaction of negative parenting and DRD2 gene rs1799732 polymorphism on self-control in children and adolescents: Development stage differences.

Abstract

Self-control development in children and adolescents is shaped by both genetic and environmental influences, yet little is known about how these factors interact across developmental stages. This two-wave longitudinal study investigated the interplay between the DRD2 gene rs1799732 polymorphism and negative parenting in predicting self-control among 9-14-year-olds, with a focus on differences between childhood and adolescence. Results revealed that the effects of negative parenting on self-control were concentrated in childhood (ages 9-11) and varied by genotype. Children with the GG allele were more vulnerable to negative parenting, exhibiting reduced self-control, whereas those carrying the T allele (TT/TG) demonstrated enhanced self-control under similar conditions, suggesting a possible 'training' effect. These findings highlight childhood as a critical period of environmental sensitivity and underscore the need for personalized parenting strategies that account for genetic differences. Limitations include the study's restricted developmental window, the exclusion of positive parenting and other family subsystems, and the need for replication using multi-wave designs and broader samples. The results provide novel insights into gene-environment interactions and offer practical guidance for targeted interventions to foster self-control in youth.