The current results also suggest a cautionary note with regard to examination of biological embedding: i.e., that such effects may be complex. As is illustrated by the current results, individual difference variables associated with differential susceptibility (Belsky & Pluess, 2009), may render the impact of particular interventions or environments on methylation more readily apparent for some than for others. Given the potential complexity of completely characterizing differential susceptibility to preventive intervention (see Beach et al., in press), it may be helpful to utilize biomarkers to better capture effects and more fully explicate the range of positive outcomes from family-based early prevention programs. If replicated, OXTR methylation may prove useful for identification of long-term benefits of family-based prevention.
