more recently (Belsky & Pluess, 2009; Ellis et al., 2011). Differential susceptibility theory postulates that heritable factors increase sensitivity to the environment, resulting in more benefit from favorable environments and more detriment from adverse environments. Empirical tests of differential susceptibility have provided some support for differential sensitivity to intervention (e.g., Brody et al., 2013) and differential responses to parenting (e.g., Dick et al., 2011). Together, studies examining GxE have identified specific environmental features that can offset or exacerbate genetic influences on psychopathology, thereby providing the groundwork for targeted interventions that can override or build upon heritable traits of an individual.
