Factors related to the development of executive functions: A cumulative dopamine genetic score and environmental factors predict performance of kindergarten children in a go/nogo task

Abstract

Background: This study aimed at investigating the interaction between genetic and environmental factors in predicting executive function in children aged four to six years.

Methods: Response inhibition as index of EF was assessed in 197 children using a go/nogo task. A cumulative dopamine (DA) genetic score was calculated, indexing predisposition of low DA activity. Dimensions of parenting behavior and parental education were assessed.

Results: Parental education was positively related to accuracy in nogo trials. An interaction between the cumulative genetic score and the parenting dimension Responsiveness predicted go RT indicating that children with a high cumulative genetic score and high parental responsiveness exhibited a careful response mode.

Conclusion: The development of EF in kindergarten children is related to parental education as well as to an interaction between the molecular-genetics of the DA system and parenting behavior.

Keywords: Dopamine; Executive functions; Gene-environment interaction; Parental education; Parenting behavior.