In the bioecological model, what does gene-environment transaction mean?

• A. Dynamic, bidirectional interactions between biology and environment that shape development over time
• B. Unidirectional environmental influence
• C. Genetic determinism with no environmental input
• D. Random change with no pattern

Answer: (A)

Gene-environment transaction is about ongoing, reciprocal influence between biology and experiences. In the bioecological model, a person’s genetic makeup can shape the kinds of environments they encounter or seek out, and those environments, in turn, influence biological processes and development. This loop unfolds over time, so development emerges from how genes and environments continually interact rather than from genes alone or environment alone. For instance, a child’s temperament may elicit certain parenting or peer responses, which then shape learning, stress regulation, and brain development; at the same time, a stimulating, supportive environment can influence gene expression related to cognitive and emotional functioning. The other ideas miss this mutual, time-embedded process: one-way environmental influence ignores the active role of the individual; genetic determinism ignores environmental input; random change with no pattern lacks a structured, bidirectional interaction.