Our findings are consistent with previous reports that individuals who carry a risk allele and are subject to childhood adversity are more likely to exhibit problematic behavioral outcomes. Caspi and colleagues (2002) first identified this gene-by-environment interaction in the context of childhood maltreatment and adult outcomes such as a propensity toward violence or antisocial behavior. It has since been found in both community samples and in samples enriched for psychiatric disorders; among individuals experiencing physical and/or psychosocial stressors; and it has been shown to influence violent criminal behavior, aggression, and psychiatric problems. There have also been a number of failures to replicate the original findings (e.g., (Prichard, Mackinnon, Jorm, & Easteal, 2008; Reif et al., 2007; Young et al., 2006).
