Iqra Shahid
Independent researcher at Hamilton House, United Arab EmiratesPresentation Title:
Gender-differentiated pathways: The intersection of childhood environment, inherited vulnerabilities, and adult relationship functioning
Abstract
This presentation addresses a critical gap in psychological research: understanding how childhood environments interact with biologically inherited psychological vulnerabilities to shape relationship functioning differently in men and women. While considerable research exists separately in developmental psychopathology, attachment theory, and behavioural genetics, the intersection of these domains with gender as a moderating variable remains largely unexplored.Current literature reveals inconsistent attention to gender-specific developmental trajectories when examining how genetic predispositions interact with childhood experiences. Although research establishes differential prevalence rates of psychological disorders between genders, limited investigation exists into how these differences manifest in adult relationship patterns. This neglect represents a significant blind spot in our understanding of relationship psychology.Our systematic review identified three key areas requiring investigation: (1) how attachment disruptions in childhood interact with inherited vulnerabilities differently across genders; (2) gender-specific emotional regulation strategies that emerge from similar genetic-environmental interactions; and (3) how sociocultural expectations moderate the expression of inherited psychological traits differently in men's versus women's relationship behaviors.We propose an integrative theoretical framework that accounts for both biological sex differences and gendered socialization processes in mediating the expression of inherited psychological vulnerabilities. This model challenges current approaches that treat gender primarily as a demographic variable rather than a central moderating factor in developmental pathways to relationship functioning.The clinical implications are substantial, suggesting that therapeutic interventions for relationship difficulties stemming from childhood adversity and genetic vulnerabilities may require gender-differentiated approaches.
Biography
I’m an independent researcher affiliated with Hamilton House, an education consultancy based in the UAE. With a background in psychology, I’ve been involved in internal university research projects exploring developmental psychology and emotional regulation. My previous experience at ey, where i worked on learning and development initiatives, deepened my interest in mental health within academic and organizational spaces. My current research focuses on how childhood environments and inherited psychological vulnerabilities impact adult relationship functioning through a gendered lens. Through my work at Hamilton House, I aim to bridge academic insight with student support and promote inclusive, research-based mental health practices.
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