Eeske van Roekel

g.vanroekel@pwo.ru.nl

Title project:
Gene-environment interactions in loneliness in adolescence

Abstract:
Loneliness is a common problem which often emerges or increases during adolescence. Since loneliness is related to various mental and physical health problems such as anxiety, schizophrenia, depression, sleep disturbance, poorer immune functioning, and cardiovascular disease, it is important to examine its antecedents. Previous studies have shown that loneliness consists of a significant genetic component, with heritability estimates ranging between 48% and 55%. However, only one molecular genetic study has tried to unravel this genetic basis. Therefore, the aim of this project is to examine the specific relations between certain candidate genes (in serotonergic and dopaminergic neurotransmission pathways and oxytocin-related genes) and adolescent loneliness. Furthermore, the interaction of these genes with environmental influences (such as parenting and stress) in loneliness are investigated. This project is based on collaboration between the Radboud University (Dr. Ron Scholte, Dr. Maaike Verhagen and Prof. Dr. Rutger Engels) and the department Developmental Psychology from the Catholic University in Leuven, Belgium (Prof. Dr. Luc Goossens).