We rely on several theoretical frameworks for the present study. One of which, the differential susceptibility hypothesis/framework (Belsky, Bakermans-Kranenburg, & van IJzendoorn, 2007; Belsky & Pleuss, 2009), is the guiding framework for our analysis of Gene by Environment interactions. This framework has an emphasis on the plasticity of response to positive and negative environmental variation as opposed to the diathesis-stress framework and its exclusive focus on risk in terms of the characteristics of the individual and the environment. More specifically, the diathesis framework is focused solely on the untoward outcome in the presence of both the diathesis (genetic/biological propensity) and the environmental risk. In contrast, consistent with the concept of “for better or worse” (Belsky et al., 2007; Belsky & Pleus, 2009), the differential susceptibility framework expands the focus to include plasticity in response to enriched as well as distressed environments.
