Wellbeing, like other complex traits, has multiple causes. Studies based on European ancestry samples reveal that approximately 30-40% of the differences in happiness are accounted for by genetic differences between people. The remaining variance is mostly accounted for by environmental influences that are unique to each individual. Studies with data from Brazil and Japan provide heritability estimates in the same range. This indicates that that some people find it easier than others to maintain good wellbeing. The findings also tell us that positive and protective environmental experiences could be used to promote wellbeing in more people.

So, what are the implications of genetically informative research for wellbeing prevention and interventions strategies – for individuals, practitioners, and policymakers? Genetic research provides clear evidence that people differ, and due to their differences, they will benefit from different prevention and intervention strategies. To raise wellbeing in more people, multiple and diverse interventions that are personalised to individuals are needed. The notion of gene-environment matchmaking invites us to use findings from genetically informative designs to create wellbeing-enhancing interventions, social policies, activities, and environments that enable flourishing of genetic potentials and simultaneously buffer vulnerability and risk. Genetically informed approaches clearly have the potential to improve prevention strategies and reduce differences between people and may over time improve population health - provided that environmental and socioeconomic factors are incorporated.

In their combined plenary session Profs. Bartels and Bang Nes will present the latest findings in the field of gene-environment research and jointly discuss and translate their implications for prevention and intervention strategies.