About
Attachment insecurity, particularly disturbed and disorganized attachment behaviors, are significant risk factors for future psychopathology. Despite some success, research on the determinants of attachment problems remains limited. Recent studies have shown that, although genetics have been investigated, the candidate genes studied are not as informative as expected in predicting attachment. This study proposes to analyze new genetic factors in two samples: one high-risk and one low-risk for attachment issues. Genes from the dopamine, serotonin, and oxytocin systems have not shown a consistent association with attachment quality. Pro-inflammatory cytokines are associated with psychopathology, and the interaction between cytokine gene polymorphisms and the quality of caregiver behaviors may predict attachment quality. The functional relationship between the neuroendocrine and immune systems, especially the HPA axis, is crucial as it regulates the release of glucocorticoids, effective immunomodulators. Pro-inflammatory cytokines can hyperactivate the HPA axis, a characteristic of several psychological disorders. Although attachment insecurity is associated with HPA axis alterations, the relationship with immune markers is unknown. Thus, the interaction between genetic polymorphisms of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines may be a useful model for understanding individual characteristics that contribute to attachment quality. This study will analyze the INF-γ and IL-10 genes and the quality of parental behaviors to explain the variation in attachment quality in preschool children and their caregivers.
