Genetic and Epidemiological Study on How Individualization Affects People’s Mental Stress and Depression in Indonesia

Project Gist

Depression Study as Human Evolution and Area Study in Indonesia

Keywords

Human ecology, Gene-culture coevolution hypothesis, Population genetics, Collective society, Individualism society

Background and Purpose

Potential high-risk genotypes for depression have been known to be more prevalent in collectivism societies of Asia but less in individualism societies of Europe, but this genotype usually keep good mental condition as far as a person is in a good human relationship. This is one of gene-culture coevolution hypothesis where gene generates form of culture and vice versa. However, this genotype is now concerned because of individualization/Europeanization of Asian societies. This study thus explores effects of genotypes and individualization by means of genetic epidemiology with taking social and cultural differences into consideration. For this purpose, it is essential to accelerate and deepen scientific collaboration between Indonesia and Japan.

Project Achievements

International research team in which 5 researchers from Faculty of Medicine of Hasanuddin University, 6 from other faculties/universities in Indonesia, 4 from Kyoto University, and 2 from University of Tokyo participated in and collaborated through international exchange, international workshops, and scientific training. Joint research proposal has been approved by ethics committees of Indonesia, Kyoto University, and University of Tokyo. Principal investigator experienced leading international research team and is going to apply for other research funds.

Future Prospects

The joint research team is planning to conduct further joint research of medical science and area studies for exploring gene-culture coevolution hypothesis of various kinds of diseases in Indonesia – a country with rich biocultural diversity.

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Principal Investigator