Scientists have long debated whether nature or nurture plays a greater role in shaping who we become. While genes and environment both influence personality and health, new research reveals a deeper interaction: our genes can affect how we respond to life experiences, impacting the likelihood of developing psychological conditions.
A study published in Nature Human Behaviour analyzed DNA data from nearly 22,000 identical twins across 11 studies—the largest of its kind. Researchers uncovered genetic-environmental links to mental health issues including anxiety, depression, psychotic experiences, neuroticism, autism, and ADHD.
Because identical twins share nearly identical genetic codes, the study could isolate how DNA and environment interact. Twins with genes making them more sensitive to their surroundings tended to show differences in mental health due to unique life experiences. Conversely, twins with less sensitive genes had more similar traits.
The research pinpointed specific genes associated with these sensitivities: growth-related genes correlated with autistic traits, stress-reactivity genes linked to depression, and genes regulating stress hormones connected to psychotic-like experiences.
These findings offer new insights into how genetic and environmental factors combine to influence mental and neurological health. As Thalia Eley, a developmental behavioural genetics professor at King’s College London and co-author of the study, explained, “Some people are more sensitive to their circumstances, which can be beneficial in positive environments but more challenging under stress.”
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