Explain the diathesis-stress model with regard to the serotonin transporter gene (5-HTT).

Question

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The Answer is A good answer will include the following key points.
- Research has shown that individuals who inherit two short copies of the serotonin transporter gene (5-HTT)are more likely to develop depression than those who inherit two long copies.
- The relationship between inheriting two short copies of the gene and developing depression is dependent on the environment (i.e. ,the amount of stress experienced by the individual).
- Inheritance of short or long copies of 5-HTT does not impact the development of depression if only 1-2 stressful life events occur,but research does show that after chronic or multiple successive stressful events,those with two copies of the short gene are much more likely to develop depression than those with two long copies of the gene.

Explain the Diathesis-Stress Model with Regard to the Serotonin Transporter