How Epigenetics Shapes Our Ability to Cope with Stress

Background

Why are there individual differences in resilience?

Individual responses to stress exhibit considerable variability. While some individuals exposed to significant adversity subsequently develop mental health disorders such as anxiety or depression, others demonstrate an enhanced capacity to adapt and maintain psychological well-being. This phenomenon, referred to as psychological resilience, is multifaceted and influenced by a combination of life experiences, social support networks, and biological factors. Recent research has increasingly focused on epigenetics, a discipline that investigates how environmental influences can modulate gene expression through mechanisms that do not involve alterations to the underlying DNA sequence.

What were the aims of this study?

Investigating biological correlates of psychological resilience

Researchers aimed to examine the role of epigenetic mechanisms – such as modifications in gene expression – in contributing to psychological resilience. Specifically, they investigated how adverse and beneficial environmental experiences may become biologically embedded, thereby influencing an individual’s capacity to adapt to and manage stress.

How was this study carried out?

A review article adopting a conceptual model to understand the relationship between epigenetics and resilience

Instead of testing participants, the researchers gathered and analysed findings from a wide range of past studies. These included genetic and epigenetic research, particularly those involving DNA methylation (a key epigenetic process). Many of the studies looked at people exposed to trauma, such as natural disasters, war, or childhood neglect. The review also included animal studies, which offer insights into how stress and nurturing can affect gene expression. Finally, the authors proposed a conceptual model showing three key ways epigenetics might shape resilience: inherited epigenetic marks, environmental influences throughout life, and the role of protective factors during adversity.

 

What were the key findings?

Genes, life experience and biology underlie resilience.

Firstly, people who are more resilient often have different epigenetic profiles than those who develop mental health problems after adversity. These differences include specific changes in genes linked to stress regulation (like FKBP5 and NR3C1), inflammation, and brain plasticity.

Second, some of these epigenetic changes may be inherited—either through genetics or via marks passed down from parents or even grandparents. Animal studies, for example, show that mice exposed to stress or enriched environments can pass these effects on to their offspring. There’s less clear evidence for this in humans, but some studies suggest trauma in one generation may influence the biology of the next.

Third, positive environments matter. Things like supportive parenting, regular exercise, or therapy may change the epigenome in ways that promote resilience. Interestingly, not all stress is bad—some mild stressors might actually strengthen our ability to deal with future challenges, a concept known as the steeling effect.

Finally, genetics can shape how sensitive we are to both positive and negative experiences. This means two people with similar upbringings might respond very differently, depending on their genetic makeup.

What are the implications of this research?

Towards a new approach to mental health support.

These findings offer exciting possibilities for improving mental health, especially in areas with high exposure to trauma or poverty. Understanding how the environment shapes our biology could help tailor support and interventions. For example, children at higher risk due to inherited epigenetic marks might benefit from early-life nurturing or resilience-building programmes.

There’s also potential for personalised approaches – knowing someone’s genetic sensitivity might allow support to be adapted to what works best for them. On a broader scale, this research strengthens the argument that prevention and early intervention matter, especially during pregnancy and childhood when the epigenome is most flexible.

Still, many questions remain. More research is needed to track how epigenetic changes unfold over time, and to test how specific interventions affect these biological processes. Overall, these findings offer a hopeful perspective: biological processes are dynamic rather than fixed, and with appropriate interventions and support, psychological resilience can be enhanced and potentially inherited.

About the study team

The study team included Demelza Smeeth (Queen Mary University of London), Stephan Beck (University College London), Elie G Karam (University of Balamand, Lebanon), Michael Pluess (University of Surrey).