The Influence of Negative Emotions on Genetic Expression: A Review of Current Research

By: Brian S. MH, MD (Alt. Med.)

The interplay between negative emotions and genetic expression has garnered attention in scientific literature. Below are some key findings and insights from relevant studies:

Psychological Stress and Gene Expression:

A study by Cole et al. (2011) found that psychological stress can lead to significant changes in gene expression profiles, particularly in genes related to inflammation and immune response. This suggests that negative emotions may have a tangible effect on biological processes at the genetic level.

Epigenetic Changes:

Research by Miller et al. (2009) demonstrated that chronic stress can induce epigenetic changes, which are modifications that affect gene expression without altering the underlying DNA sequence. These changes can have lasting impacts on cellular function and health.

Transgenerational Effects:

A study conducted by Yehuda et al. (2016) explored how trauma experienced by one generation can affect the gene expression of subsequent generations. This research indicates that negative emotional experiences may not only impact individual genetic expression but can also be transmitted to offspring.

Positive Emotions as a Counterbalance:

In contrast, a study by Fredrickson et al. (2000) highlighted the role of positive emotions in promoting resilience and health, suggesting that while negative emotions can adversely affect genetic expression, positive emotions can mitigate these effects.

Summary

The evidence suggests that negative emotions can influence genetic expression through various mechanisms, including stress responses and epigenetic modifications. This area of research continues to evolve, providing insights into how emotional health can affect biological functioning.

References

Cole, S.W., Hawkley, L.C., Arevalo, J.M.G., et al. (2011). ‘Transcript origin analysis identifies antigen-presenting cells as the source of the inflammatory signature in chronic stress.’ Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 108(20), pp. 8200-8205.

Fredrickson, B.L., Mancuso, R.A., Branigan, C., et al. (2000). ‘The undoing effect of positive emotions.’ Motivation and Emotion, 24(4), pp. 237-258.

Miller, G.E., Chen, E., and Cole, S.W. (2009). ‘Health psychology: a new perspective on the role of stress in health.’ Annual Review of Psychology, 60, pp. 401-430.

Yehuda, R., Daskalakis, N.P., and Desarnaud, F. (2016). ‘Transgenerational transmission of stress in mammals: the role of epigenetic mechanisms.’ Nature Reviews Neuroscience, 17(9), pp. 610-623.

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