Pearson Edexcel · GCSE · Psychology
Course version: 1PS0 · Version from Sept 2017
Caspi et al. (2003) Influence of Life Stress on Depression: Moderation by…
Full specification wording
Studies: 3.2.1 Caspi et al. (2003) Influence of Life Stress on Depression: Moderation by a Polymorphism in the 5-HTT Gene Addiction
Caspi et al. (2003) investigated the influence of life stress on depression, specifically looking at moderation by a polymorphism in the 5-HTT gene.
Checked against the Pearson Edexcel 1PS0 specification (opens in a new tab) on .
- Point 1 of 2
- 2 key terms
Study notes
From the checked teaching notes for this specification point.
The idea
Caspi et al. (2003) investigated the influence of life stress on depression, specifically looking at moderation by a polymorphism in the 5-HTT gene. The study aimed to determine if individuals with a short allele of this gene were more vulnerable to depression after stressful events compared to those with two long alleles. The procedure involved 847 participants assessed longitudinally. Findings showed that those with at least one short allele who experienced stressful life events exhibited more depressive symptoms. This highlights a genetic predisposition interacting with environmental stress. Understanding such genetic vulnerabilities in depression also provides a crucial foundation for exploring genetic factors in addiction.
What earns the marks
- Identification of the 5-HTT gene as the primary genetic focus of the study.
- Recognition that the short allele is linked to increased vulnerability to depression.
- Understanding that stressful life events interact with the genetic polymorphism to trigger symptoms.
- Knowledge that the study utilised a longitudinal design with a sample of 847 participants.
Common mistakes and how to put them right
Believing the gene alone causes depression.
Put it right: The study shows it is the interaction between the gene and stressful life events.
Confusing the short and long alleles.
Put it right: The short allele is the one associated with higher risk, not the long allele.
Assuming the study directly investigated addiction.
Put it right: The study focused on depression, though the concept of genetic vulnerability applies to addiction as well.
Exam tips
- Memorise the specific name of the gene (5-HTT) and its role in serotonin transport.
- Be prepared to identify the correct combination of factors (short allele plus stress) that leads to depression in multiple-choice questions.
- Remember the sample size (847) and the longitudinal nature of the study for procedural questions.
Try the lesson
The start of the Studies: 3.2.1 Caspi et al. (2003) Influence of Life Stress on Depression: Moderation by a Polymorphism in the 5-HTT Gene Addiction lesson, made from checked teaching notes for this specification point.
Have a go first
What was the primary aim of the study conducted by Caspi et al. (2003)?
Listen
Caspi et al. (2003) investigated the influence of life stress on depression, specifically looking at moderation by a polymorphism in the 5-HTT gene. The study aimed to determine if individuals with a short allele of this gene were more vulnerable to depression after stressful events compared to those with two long alleles. The procedure involved 847 participants assessed longitudinally. Findings showed that those with at least one short allele who experienced stressful life events exhibited more depressive symptoms. This highlights a genetic predisposition interacting with environmental stress. Understanding such genetic vulnerabilities in depression also provides a crucial foundation for exploring genetic factors in addiction. A strong answer earns marks for these points. Identification of the 5-HTT gene as the primary genetic focus of the study. Recognition that the short allele is linked to increased vulnerability to depression. Understanding that stressful life events interact with the genetic polymorphism to trigger symptoms. Knowledge that the study utilised a longitudinal design with a sample of 847 participants. Exam tip: Memorise the specific name of the gene (5-HTT) and its role in serotonin transport.
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Key words
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Genetic polymorphism
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Environmental stress
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See every definition
- Genetic polymorphism
- A variation in a gene, such as the polymorphism in the 5-HTT gene examined by Caspi et al. (2003).
- Environmental stress
- Stressful life events that, when experienced by those with at least one short allele, were linked to more depressive symptoms.
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