dlstanton t1_iu06clv wrote
Does the idea of different stress response depending on expression of the COMT gene hold up? Does this mean that we need to approach stress in very different ways depending on the type of person we are?
BUExperts OP t1_iu08w5i wrote
There are studies showing differences in our immediate physiological response (e.g., having higher levels of the stress hormone cortisol) to stressful situations in the laboratory context. It is important to remember that genetic effects on many characteristics, including stress response, tend to be quite small; the effect is much smaller when we are just looking at 1 gene. Many other factors - genetic or otherwise - may alter our stress response and/or the effect of COMT on our stress response.
It's a great point to think about how we approach stress based on who and how we are. It is effective to understand our strengths and weaknesses, what has worked well for us and what hasn't. Dealing with stress is certainly a lifelong learning process.
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