Electrodermal reactivity during the Trier Social Stress Test for Children: Interaction between the serotonin transporter polymorphism and children's attachment representation

Renske Gilissen, Marian J. Bakermans-Kranenburg*, Marinus H. van IJzendoorn, Mariëlle Linting

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to JournalArticleAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

This study explores the relation between variations in the serotonin transporter gene (5-HTTLPR; long vs. short allele), the child's attachment representation (assessed with the Attachment Story Completion Task, reflecting the security of the parent-child relationship), and electrodermal reactivity during a public speaking task, the Trier Social Stress Test for Children (TSST-C) in a sample of 92 7-year-old. Electrodermal reactivity during the TSST-C was not directly associated with variations in 5-HTT However there was a significant gene-environment interaction effect of 5-HTT and attachment security on electrodermal reactivity. Results are interpreted in terms of cumulative protection: Children with a secure attachment representation as well as long 5-HTTa alleles appeared to be less stressed during the TSST-C.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)615-625
Number of pages11
JournalDevelopmental Psychobiology
Volume50
Issue number6
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Sept 2008
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • 5-HTTLPR
  • Attachment
  • Electrodermal activity
  • Gene-environment interaction
  • Trier Social Stress Test for Children

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