The Emerging Field of Social and Behavioral Epigenetics
Title
The Emerging Field of Social and Behavioral Epigenetics
Author
Mulligan, Connie J.
Research Area
Special Areas of Interdisciplinary Study
Topic
Biology, the Individual and Society
Abstract
Social and behavioral epigenetics is the study of psychosocial factors that impact biology through an epigenetic mechanism. Epigenetic modifications influence the activity of genes without altering the underlying DNA sequence. DNA methylation is one type of epigenetic modification that has been widely studied and found to associate with a broad range of psychosocial stressors. This essay reviews the landmark studies and current innovations. An evolutionary context for epigenetic changes induced by psychosocial stress, and the possible heritability of such changes, is also presented. The involvement of social and behavioral scientists in this emerging field is essential to ensure that the nuances of the psychosocial environment are well understood and accurately modeled.