Psychology and Epigenetics

The Human Genome Project mapped the complete DNA sequence that exists in each human cell, but questions remain about how genes are expressed. Epigenetics is defined as mechanisms of gene expression that can be maintained across cell divisions, and thus the life of the organism, without changing the DNA sequence. Recent research has identified important epigenetic mechanisms that play essential roles in normal and abnormal development. Of special significance for psychology are the findings that environmental and psychosocial factors can change the epigenome. Research also suggests that some experiences and epigenetic changes of an individual can be passed down to more than one generation of descendants. Linkages between epigenetics and psychopathology are emerging that point to new possibilities for conceptualizing, preventing, and treating disorders.