Is the Warrior Gene Responsible For Youth Violence?

Youth violence is a growing concern of our society. The question that has most often been asked is whether it is caused by nature (genes) or nurture (environment).

While many studies point to youth violence as a nurturing issue, new research points to heredity as a genetic component that cannot be entirely taken out of the picture.

Gangs have traditionally been regarded as a sociological phenomenon. Poverty, lack of education and poor parenting skills have all played a role in developing gang culture. However, a new study completed at Florida State University shows that boys who carry the "warrior gene" are more likely to join gangs, use weapons and be among the most violent members.

Boys with this gene show high levels of aggression in response to provocation.This violent variant, also called the MAOA gene, affects levels of neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin associated with mood and behavior. Variants associated with violence are hereditary, remnants of a warrior gene prevalent in cultures that are marked by aggression and warfare.

According to the study, this variant is most prominent in boys because it is located in the X chromosome. Since girls carry 2 X chromosomes, and boys carry only one, the violent gene in girls is counteracted by the effect of the second chromosome. Because boys are limited to one copy of this gene, they have no compensating factor to mute the effect of genetic expression. That's why the MAOA effect has been mainly detected in males.

Can nurture alter the dynamics of genetic disposition?

Absolutely. Studies have shown that genetic disposition can be moderated or changed by environmental factors such as family, friends, church and school. Gang Guo, a sociologist at the Caroline Center for Genomic Studies at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, studied the effect of environmental influences on boys genetically predisposed to violence. He and his team discovered that simple lifestyle influences such as having a daily meal with both parents had a leveling effect on the gene.

Other studies show that being involved in Church and community protected boys from violence and crime. Strong social bonds at home, school, church and community have a profound influence on the expression of the risky gene.

We must really take to heart what Bruce Lipton says in his book, The Biology of Belief:Genes are not destiny!" We have the power to override the genetic blueprint through thought, belief, intentions and behavior. According to Lipton, parents are genetic engineers who can nurture what they bring into this world with love and responsibility.

Bianca Tora is a writer interested in the relationship between lifestyle and the brain, specifically the area of emotional regulation and control. She has published a book on anger management for children. Visit her at http://www.help-your-child-with-anger.com