Evidences of genetic control on human behavior will be presented, through ontogenetic, phylogenetic and comparative data. The widely recognized complexity in the gene’s effects on behavior has conceptual and methodological implications to the developmental studies. Genetic control does not exclude experiential effects. Genes can regulate or amplify these effects producing differential sensibility to stimuli, specific motivational tendencies, sensitive periods and pre-organization of learning process. Twin studies have showed the magnitude of gene influence on psychological interests, personality traits, attitudes and psychopathologies. An enlarged interactionist perspective requires considerations about: human natural evolutive environment in contrast with the contemporary environment; function or adaptative value of psychological traits in natural environments, modifying adjustment and pathology conceptions; and the link between functional and causal factors as well as the value of comparative studies. Some conceptual and methodological implications of the evolutionary approach in the context of attachment development studies will be considered.
Interactionist perspective; psychoethology; development; genetic control; attachment