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Responsible Integration of Biological and Psychosocial Models: Comments on "Genetic Associations With Intimate Partner Violence in a Sample of Hazardous Drinking Men in Batterer Intervention Programs"

NCJ Number
247846
Journal
Violence Against Women Volume: 20 Issue: 4 Dated: April 2014 Pages: 401-405
Author(s)
Antonia Abbey
Date Published
April 2014
Length
5 pages
Annotation

Despite research demonstrating that gene expression differs in response to social environmental circumstances, deterministic views of biology are common.

Abstract

Despite research demonstrating that gene expression differs in response to social environmental circumstances, deterministic views of biology are common. Stuart and colleagues (2014) encourage readers to think about genetic factors in the same dynamic and probabilistic manner that they consider other causes of intimate partner violence. Given that participants had co-occurring alcohol problems, future studies should evaluate how different genetic polymorphisms uniquely and synergistically contribute to heavy drinking and aggression under different socio-environmental conditions. Psychological expectancies have a powerful impact on behavior, thus extreme caution is required before labeling people as genetically predisposed to violence. Abstract published by arrangement with Sage.