Reut Avinun, PhD
@reutavinun.bsky.social
I write about #parenting from a scientific perspective. Working on a book, tentatively called: 'Debunking Parenting Myths'.
PhD in behavioral genetics/child development.
Subscribe to my newsletter - https://theparentingmyth.substack.com/
PhD in behavioral genetics/child development.
Subscribe to my newsletter - https://theparentingmyth.substack.com/
That’s a powerful message:
Even when it comes to genes, social change can rewrite the story.
Genetics usually isn't destiny.
#Genetics #MentalHealth #SocialDeterminantsOfHealth #ScienceThread #GenesAndEnvironment #PublicHealth
Even when it comes to genes, social change can rewrite the story.
Genetics usually isn't destiny.
#Genetics #MentalHealth #SocialDeterminantsOfHealth #ScienceThread #GenesAndEnvironment #PublicHealth
October 16, 2025 at 9:40 AM
That’s a powerful message:
Even when it comes to genes, social change can rewrite the story.
Genetics usually isn't destiny.
#Genetics #MentalHealth #SocialDeterminantsOfHealth #ScienceThread #GenesAndEnvironment #PublicHealth
Even when it comes to genes, social change can rewrite the story.
Genetics usually isn't destiny.
#Genetics #MentalHealth #SocialDeterminantsOfHealth #ScienceThread #GenesAndEnvironment #PublicHealth
10/ If we improve those environments, reduce crime, strengthen communities, expand opportunities, those genetic associations would weaken, and might even vanish altogether.
October 16, 2025 at 9:40 AM
10/ If we improve those environments, reduce crime, strengthen communities, expand opportunities, those genetic associations would weaken, and might even vanish altogether.
9/ In other words: more children with depression-linked variants lived in more disadvantaged neighborhoods.
Those “depression genes” are connected to depression because they’re connected to environments that increase stress and risk.
Those “depression genes” are connected to depression because they’re connected to environments that increase stress and risk.
October 16, 2025 at 9:40 AM
9/ In other words: more children with depression-linked variants lived in more disadvantaged neighborhoods.
Those “depression genes” are connected to depression because they’re connected to environments that increase stress and risk.
Those “depression genes” are connected to depression because they’re connected to environments that increase stress and risk.
8/ This pattern held even after controlling for family socioeconomic status and mental health history.
Neighborhood adversity was defined by lower average SES, higher crime, and fewer educational, health, and social resources.
Neighborhood adversity was defined by lower average SES, higher crime, and fewer educational, health, and social resources.
October 16, 2025 at 9:40 AM
8/ This pattern held even after controlling for family socioeconomic status and mental health history.
Neighborhood adversity was defined by lower average SES, higher crime, and fewer educational, health, and social resources.
Neighborhood adversity was defined by lower average SES, higher crime, and fewer educational, health, and social resources.
7/ The study found that children with a higher polygenic score for depression (meaning a combination of many genetic variants linked to depression) tend to live in neighborhoods with greater social and economic adversity.
October 16, 2025 at 9:40 AM
7/ The study found that children with a higher polygenic score for depression (meaning a combination of many genetic variants linked to depression) tend to live in neighborhoods with greater social and economic adversity.
6/ Now for the self-congratulatory part 😅
My paper helped spark this kind of thinking and today I came across a new study that beautifully illustrates it.
My paper helped spark this kind of thinking and today I came across a new study that beautifully illustrates it.
October 16, 2025 at 9:40 AM
6/ Now for the self-congratulatory part 😅
My paper helped spark this kind of thinking and today I came across a new study that beautifully illustrates it.
My paper helped spark this kind of thinking and today I came across a new study that beautifully illustrates it.
5/ Here’s the key point:
If we change social attitudes toward body weight, those genetic associations with depression could simply disappear.
If we change social attitudes toward body weight, those genetic associations with depression could simply disappear.
October 16, 2025 at 9:40 AM
5/ Here’s the key point:
If we change social attitudes toward body weight, those genetic associations with depression could simply disappear.
If we change social attitudes toward body weight, those genetic associations with depression could simply disappear.
4/ That social experience can raise the risk of depression.
So, genetic variants associated with higher body weight may also appear linked to depression, not because they cause it biologically, but because they increase exposure to social stress.
So, genetic variants associated with higher body weight may also appear linked to depression, not because they cause it biologically, but because they increase exposure to social stress.
October 16, 2025 at 9:40 AM
4/ That social experience can raise the risk of depression.
So, genetic variants associated with higher body weight may also appear linked to depression, not because they cause it biologically, but because they increase exposure to social stress.
So, genetic variants associated with higher body weight may also appear linked to depression, not because they cause it biologically, but because they increase exposure to social stress.
3/ What does that mean?
Think of body weight.
In today’s culture, individuals with higher body weight, or what society labels as “overweight”, often face bullying or exclusion.
Think of body weight.
In today’s culture, individuals with higher body weight, or what society labels as “overweight”, often face bullying or exclusion.
October 16, 2025 at 9:40 AM
3/ What does that mean?
Think of body weight.
In today’s culture, individuals with higher body weight, or what society labels as “overweight”, often face bullying or exclusion.
Think of body weight.
In today’s culture, individuals with higher body weight, or what society labels as “overweight”, often face bullying or exclusion.
2/ Five years ago, I wrote a paper I was truly proud of.
I suggested that genetic variants linked to diseases or behaviors may be connected to them not only through biology, but also through social processes.
pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC...
I suggested that genetic variants linked to diseases or behaviors may be connected to them not only through biology, but also through social processes.
pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC...
The E is in the G: Gene-Environment-Trait Correlations and Findings from Genome-Wide Association Studies
Genome-wide association studies (GWASs) have shown that pleiotropy is widespread, with the same genetic variants affecting multiple traits, and that complex traits are polygenic, affected by many gene...
pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
October 16, 2025 at 9:40 AM
2/ Five years ago, I wrote a paper I was truly proud of.
I suggested that genetic variants linked to diseases or behaviors may be connected to them not only through biology, but also through social processes.
pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC...
I suggested that genetic variants linked to diseases or behaviors may be connected to them not only through biology, but also through social processes.
pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC...
I’ve explored this limit of parental influence in my recent posts. If you're intrigued by these bigger, messier questions, start with the link below and subscribe to join the conversation.
#NatureAndNurture #DevelopmentalScience
theparentingmyth.substack.com/p/the-non-sh...
#NatureAndNurture #DevelopmentalScience
theparentingmyth.substack.com/p/the-non-sh...
The Non-Shared Environment (Part 2): Randomness Goes Deeper Than You Think
Last time, I wrote about how even identical twins become different—and how a large part of that difference is due to what scientists call the non-shared environment. In many cases, that means random e...
theparentingmyth.substack.com
September 19, 2025 at 9:35 AM
I’ve explored this limit of parental influence in my recent posts. If you're intrigued by these bigger, messier questions, start with the link below and subscribe to join the conversation.
#NatureAndNurture #DevelopmentalScience
theparentingmyth.substack.com/p/the-non-sh...
#NatureAndNurture #DevelopmentalScience
theparentingmyth.substack.com/p/the-non-sh...
2/3 It’s the random moments and unique experiences that ensure no two children, even those who are genetically identical, ever live the same life, even under the same roof.
#ChildDevelopment #Genetics
#ChildDevelopment #Genetics
September 19, 2025 at 9:35 AM
2/3 It’s the random moments and unique experiences that ensure no two children, even those who are genetically identical, ever live the same life, even under the same roof.
#ChildDevelopment #Genetics
#ChildDevelopment #Genetics
If this thread resonated with you, please share it and subscribe to
theparentingmyth.substack.com
#ParentingCommunity #EvidenceBasedParenting #ParentingSupport #ModernFamily #ParentingJourney #MomLife #DadLife #ParentingWisdom #FamilyFirst #ParentingEvolution
theparentingmyth.substack.com
#ParentingCommunity #EvidenceBasedParenting #ParentingSupport #ModernFamily #ParentingJourney #MomLife #DadLife #ParentingWisdom #FamilyFirst #ParentingEvolution
Debunking Parenting Myths | Reut Avinun, PhD | Substack
In Debunking Parenting Myths, I explore common misconceptions about topics like breastfeeding, screen time, and the impact of parenting on child development, all through the lens of the latest scienti...
theparentingmyth.substack.com
August 29, 2025 at 2:01 PM
If this thread resonated with you, please share it and subscribe to
theparentingmyth.substack.com
#ParentingCommunity #EvidenceBasedParenting #ParentingSupport #ModernFamily #ParentingJourney #MomLife #DadLife #ParentingWisdom #FamilyFirst #ParentingEvolution
theparentingmyth.substack.com
#ParentingCommunity #EvidenceBasedParenting #ParentingSupport #ModernFamily #ParentingJourney #MomLife #DadLife #ParentingWisdom #FamilyFirst #ParentingEvolution
8/ Balance over perfection
Some concern may motivate thoughtful parenting, but constant anxiety doesn't serve anyone.
Taking care of your own mental health isn't separate from parenting—it's part of it.
Care, support, and love matter more than meeting impossible ideals.
#SelfCareIsParenting
Some concern may motivate thoughtful parenting, but constant anxiety doesn't serve anyone.
Taking care of your own mental health isn't separate from parenting—it's part of it.
Care, support, and love matter more than meeting impossible ideals.
#SelfCareIsParenting
August 29, 2025 at 2:01 PM
8/ Balance over perfection
Some concern may motivate thoughtful parenting, but constant anxiety doesn't serve anyone.
Taking care of your own mental health isn't separate from parenting—it's part of it.
Care, support, and love matter more than meeting impossible ideals.
#SelfCareIsParenting
Some concern may motivate thoughtful parenting, but constant anxiety doesn't serve anyone.
Taking care of your own mental health isn't separate from parenting—it's part of it.
Care, support, and love matter more than meeting impossible ideals.
#SelfCareIsParenting
7/ Today's pressures are historically specific
Screen time fears, college prep anxiety, school shooting concerns—these aren't universal parenting challenges.
They're products of our particular moment, culture, and country.
#ParentingAnxiety
Screen time fears, college prep anxiety, school shooting concerns—these aren't universal parenting challenges.
They're products of our particular moment, culture, and country.
#ParentingAnxiety
August 29, 2025 at 2:01 PM
7/ Today's pressures are historically specific
Screen time fears, college prep anxiety, school shooting concerns—these aren't universal parenting challenges.
They're products of our particular moment, culture, and country.
#ParentingAnxiety
Screen time fears, college prep anxiety, school shooting concerns—these aren't universal parenting challenges.
They're products of our particular moment, culture, and country.
#ParentingAnxiety
6/ Context shapes parenting choices, which are influenced by:
💠Historical moment
💠Economic conditions
💠Cultural policies
💠Technology
We parent within our era's constraints.
#ParentingTruth
💠Historical moment
💠Economic conditions
💠Cultural policies
💠Technology
We parent within our era's constraints.
#ParentingTruth
August 29, 2025 at 2:01 PM
6/ Context shapes parenting choices, which are influenced by:
💠Historical moment
💠Economic conditions
💠Cultural policies
💠Technology
We parent within our era's constraints.
#ParentingTruth
💠Historical moment
💠Economic conditions
💠Cultural policies
💠Technology
We parent within our era's constraints.
#ParentingTruth
5/ Social changes reshape parenting:
💠Gender equality movements
💠Urbanization
💠Technology access
💠Paid leave policies
💠Global perspectives online
#SocialChange
💠Gender equality movements
💠Urbanization
💠Technology access
💠Paid leave policies
💠Global perspectives online
#SocialChange
August 29, 2025 at 2:01 PM
5/ Social changes reshape parenting:
💠Gender equality movements
💠Urbanization
💠Technology access
💠Paid leave policies
💠Global perspectives online
#SocialChange
💠Gender equality movements
💠Urbanization
💠Technology access
💠Paid leave policies
💠Global perspectives online
#SocialChange
4/ Demographics shape parenting styles:
💠Higher education → progressive attitudes
💠Lower income → authoritarian approaches
💠Religious importance → traditional methods
#ParentingScience
💠Higher education → progressive attitudes
💠Lower income → authoritarian approaches
💠Religious importance → traditional methods
#ParentingScience
August 29, 2025 at 2:01 PM
4/ Demographics shape parenting styles:
💠Higher education → progressive attitudes
💠Lower income → authoritarian approaches
💠Religious importance → traditional methods
#ParentingScience
💠Higher education → progressive attitudes
💠Lower income → authoritarian approaches
💠Religious importance → traditional methods
#ParentingScience
3/ Parents spend more time with kids despite working more (!!):
💠75% increase in reading to children (1975-2005)
💠More quality time with both parents
💠Dads taking bigger roles
#QualityTime
💠75% increase in reading to children (1975-2005)
💠More quality time with both parents
💠Dads taking bigger roles
#QualityTime
August 29, 2025 at 2:01 PM
3/ Parents spend more time with kids despite working more (!!):
💠75% increase in reading to children (1975-2005)
💠More quality time with both parents
💠Dads taking bigger roles
#QualityTime
💠75% increase in reading to children (1975-2005)
💠More quality time with both parents
💠Dads taking bigger roles
#QualityTime
2/ Authoritarian parenting is declining
Physical punishment dropped significantly:
Sweden: 53% → 11% (after legal ban)
Kids have more voice in decisions
#GentleParenting
Physical punishment dropped significantly:
Sweden: 53% → 11% (after legal ban)
Kids have more voice in decisions
#GentleParenting
August 29, 2025 at 2:01 PM
2/ Authoritarian parenting is declining
Physical punishment dropped significantly:
Sweden: 53% → 11% (after legal ban)
Kids have more voice in decisions
#GentleParenting
Physical punishment dropped significantly:
Sweden: 53% → 11% (after legal ban)
Kids have more voice in decisions
#GentleParenting
1/ Individualism vs. collectivism isn't either/or
A 9-country study: real differences happen within cultures, not between them.
Your traits matter more than cultural labels.
www.mdpi.com/2076-0760/10...
#ParentingMyths
A 9-country study: real differences happen within cultures, not between them.
Your traits matter more than cultural labels.
www.mdpi.com/2076-0760/10...
#ParentingMyths
www.mdpi.com
August 29, 2025 at 2:01 PM
1/ Individualism vs. collectivism isn't either/or
A 9-country study: real differences happen within cultures, not between them.
Your traits matter more than cultural labels.
www.mdpi.com/2076-0760/10...
#ParentingMyths
A 9-country study: real differences happen within cultures, not between them.
Your traits matter more than cultural labels.
www.mdpi.com/2076-0760/10...
#ParentingMyths