Mind And Genes

Why do life’s challenges make some people stronger and others weaker? The answer may lie in how our minds and genes interact. A new research project is now investigating the cognitive and genetic mechanisms that cause some people to flourish and others to struggle.

Until now, research into cognitive biases and genetics has been entirely separate, so bringing them together in this research is really exciting. Previous research clearly tells us that certain sets of genes may lead people to develop anxiety or depression when they experience negative life events. But the new research finds that, in certain situations, those genes can also be a real benefit to people when they’re in supportive environments. If a child with so‑called risky genes is in a good school and has much support, he or she can really flourish. We’re beginning to realize that we shouldn’t call them risky genes, but sensitivity genes. This means that some people at risk of mental health problems could, in the right conditions, be really happy.

The other side of the research looks at cognitive biases. People always say, “Why is the media full of negative news stories?” This negativity can result in a society where people feel very anxious all the time. All of our brains are naturally tuned in to negativity for evolutionary reasons—it’s more important to spot a predator (捕食者) than food—but this is especially true for anxious or depressed people. They are even more sensitive to the effects of negative information, making it more likely that they will adopt a pessimistic habit of mind. Crucially, these same people who are more affected by negativity are also more likely to be responsive to positive situations and, potentially, to psychological interventions.

Right now, the researchers are on a five‑year project and only halfway through. One of the exciting things is the possibility of developing much more personalized treatment options for psychological disorders. Once we know this, we will be in a better position to tailor treatments for individuals, rather than applying the one‑size‑fits‑all approach used now.