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Microtrial Methods for Translating Gene-environment Dynamics into Preventive Interventions

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Abstract

Genetically informed research on behavioral outcomes holds substantial promise for guiding efforts to enhance the efficacy and effectiveness of preventive interventions, but it also poses considerable challenges given the complexities of the dynamic interplay between genes and environment. This paper introduces a relatively uncommon research design, called microtrials, to provide a means of translating basic research findings into prevention trials, particularly through introducing genetic effects into prevention models. Microtrials are defined as randomized experiments testing the effects of relatively brief and focused environmental manipulations designed to suppress specific risk mechanisms or enhance specific protective mechanisms, but not to bring about full treatment or prevention effects in distal outcomes. Microtrial methods are described in detail, with discussion of their unique advantages for translating this knowledge base into prevention research. We end by raising several issues to consider when constructing genetically sensitive microtrials.

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Acknowledgement

Support for this article was provided in part by National Institute of Mental Health Grants R01MH073712 and 2R01MH040859, as well as by National Institute of Drug Abuse Grants DA010923, DA02173603, and 1P30DA027827–01.

We wish to express our appreciation to Peter Wyman, Hendricks Brown, and the Prevention Science and Methodology Group for their helpful discussion of these ideas.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychology, George Washington University, 2125 G Street NW, Washington, DC, 20052, USA

    George W. Howe

  2. Institute for Behavioral Research and Center for Family Research, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA

    Steven R. H. Beach

  3. Center for Family Research, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA

    Gene H. Brody

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  1. George W. Howe
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  2. Steven R. H. Beach
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  3. Gene H. Brody
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Correspondence to George W. Howe.

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Howe, G.W., Beach, S.R.H. & Brody, G.H. Microtrial Methods for Translating Gene-environment Dynamics into Preventive Interventions. Prev Sci 11, 343–354 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11121-010-0177-2

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