Genotypes of polymorphic locus of BDNF gene and sex as factors of individual differences in cognitive styles

Volkova, E.V.; Volkova, N.E. · 2025 · Crossref

DOI: 10.17759/exppsy.2025180204

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Summary

This study investigates the role of BDNF gene genotypes and sex as factors influencing individual differences in cognitive styles, conceptualizing these styles as manifestations of "coping intelligence." The research aims to clarify how micro-level biological factors (genetics) interact with meso-level psychological traits to shape cognitive regulation during stress. Specifically, the authors hypothesized that polymorphisms in the BDNF gene (rs6265) and sex would significantly predict variations in cognitive styles, such as field dependence/independence and abstract conceptualization. The study involved 222 healthy adult participants (aged 19–54, mean age 35.80) from Moscow and Yekaterinburg, comprising 47.3% men and 52.7% women. Participants underwent genetic analysis to determine their BDNF genotype (Val/Val, Val/Met, or Met/Met) via venous blood sampling. Psychological assessment included Raven’s Standard Progressive Matrices (SPM) for intelligence and the Cognitive-Personality Style Questionnaire (CPS-Q), which measures 12 distinct cognitive style scales. Statistical analysis employed multivariate general linear modeling to assess main effects and interactions between genotype and sex. Results demonstrated significant main effects for both BDNF genotype ($p = 0.003$) and sex ($p = 0.006$), as well as a significant interaction effect ($p = 0.001$). The impact of genotype varied by sex. In men, changes in BDNF genotype were associated with increased intelligence scores but decreased field independence, flexibility of cognitive control, and abstract conceptualization. Conversely, in women, genotype changes did not significantly affect intelligence but were associated with increased expression of field independence, wide range of equivalence, flexibility of cognitive control, reflectivity, and abstract conceptualization. These findings suggest that the "productive" poles of cognitive styles are differentially influenced by genetic and sex factors. The study concludes that BDNF genotypes and sex are significant determinants of cognitive style variability, supporting the view that coping intelligence has a biological basis. The results provide empirical evidence for the interaction between genetic markers and sex in shaping how individuals perceive, analyze, and regulate their responses to difficult situations. This contributes to the theoretical understanding of cognitive styles as structurally organized systems linked to neurobiological modules, rather than isolated psychological constructs.

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