Individuals as active co-creators of their environments: implications for prevention of inequalities

Abstract

Abstract Here we outline three important issues that warrant consideration in the context of prevention and intervention of inequalities: (1) gene–environment correlation, (2) latent vulnerability following early adversity and (3) dynamic developmental effects. (1) Gene–environment correlation research clearly shows that individuals are active co-creators of their environments—in line with their genetic predispositions. Acknowledging dispositional differences is a key to refining preventative and targeted interventions to be more tailored to specific needs of children and families, which in turn will serve to reduce inequalities. (2) Latent vulnerability following early adversity means that a child is likely to develop altered patterns of processing across a range of domains relative to peers. These alterations are posited to reflect adaptation to harmful and unpredictable environments and relate to changes in learning processes (both social and educational). If we want to reduce inequalities following adversity, we need to consider how adaptations to adversity have impacted processes that are critical for social and educational domains. (3) Research on developmentally dynamic genetic and environmental effects underscores one key message. Early intervention is important, but it is not enough. There is a need for a cross-disciplinary, integrated approach for preventing inequalities, which emphasizes the importance of social development. Within this approach individual dispositions and proximal environments are not viewed as separate things. Instead, researchers will endeavour to better understand individuals as active co-creators of their environments and consider what this means for developing more sensitive and nuanced approaches for interventions.