The Effect of MAOA and Stress Sensitivity on Crime and Delinquency: a Replication Study

Across several meta-analyses, MAOA-uVNTR genotype has been associated with an increased risk for antisocial behavior among males who experienced early life adversity. Subsequently, early life stress and genetic susceptibility may have long-term effects on stress sensitivity later in life. In support...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Author: Christ, Christa C. (Author)
Contributors: Schwartz, Joseph A. ; Savolainen, Jukka ; Brauer, Jonathan R. ; Stoltenberg, Scott F.
Format: Electronic Article
Language:English
Published: 2018
In: Journal of contemporary criminal justice
Year: 2018, Volume: 34, Issue: 3, Pages: 336-353
Online Access: Presumably Free Access
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Keywords:
Antisocial
Childhood maltreatment
Distal stress
Monoamine oxidase A gene
Proximate stress
Description
Summary:Across several meta-analyses, MAOA-uVNTR genotype has been associated with an increased risk for antisocial behavior among males who experienced early life adversity. Subsequently, early life stress and genetic susceptibility may have long-term effects on stress sensitivity later in life. In support of this assumption, a recent study found evidence, in two independent samples, for a three-way interaction effect (cG × E × E) such that proximate stress was found to moderate the interactive effect of MAOA-uVNTR and distal stress on crime and delinquency among males. In light of recent developments in cG × E research, we attempted to replicate these findings in an independent sample of university students. Our results failed to support any cG × E or cG × E × E effects reported in the original study. Implications of a failed replication and general concerns for future cG × E research are discussed.
ISSN:1552-5406
DOI:10.1177/1043986218770001