Genetics and child development: Recent advances and their implications for developmental research

Emma Armstrong-Carter*, Jasmin Wertz, Benjamin W. Domingue

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Recent genetic discoveries offer a new lens through which to study cognitive, emotional, behavioral, and social processes that are foundational to children’s development. In this article, we review the latest advances in genomics—genome-wide association studies and the polygenic scores that have come out of them—and discuss how these techniques can be leveraged to shed light on developmental research questions. Then, we describe how developmental scientists might apply these methods in their own lines of work—for example, in investigations of individual differences in developmental trajectories, intergenerational transmission, peer relationships, and processes of resilience and positive adaptation. Finally, we discuss ethical concerns and limitations of genetics research as they pertain to developmental science.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)57-64
Number of pages8
JournalChild Development Perspectives
Volume15
Issue number1
Early online date26 Jan 2021
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Mar 2021

Keywords / Materials (for Non-textual outputs)

  • child development
  • education
  • genetics
  • individual differences
  • polygenic scores

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