Polygenic Scores for Social and Behavioral Traits: From Perspectives to Policy

Abstract: Many polygenic scores (PGS) for social and behavioral traits have been developed from large datasets, including biobanks. These include educational attainment, aggression, life satisfaction, religious behaviors, and obesity. Proposed applications include use in in vitro fertilization or tailored educational interventions. PGS research on social and behavioral traits may advance social science research. However, the media and other third parties can oversimplify research findings or misuse them. Potential for group harm and multisectoral impact are among the ethical, legal, and social implications (ELSI) identified.

The first speaker will present on interviews with PGS researchers on their views of how best to communicate their research to the public and whether they see scientists as having a responsibility to prevent misunderstandings and misuse of research findings. The second speaker will describe the results of a focus group study (11 focus groups with 66 biobank donors) to explore perspectives on PGS for social/behavioral traits and their potential applications. Emergent themes included unintended consequences of intervening on traits based on positive/negative valence, a view often shaped by prior experiences. The third speaker will present an example case study developed to anticipate and address gaps in current policy that merit additional attention by PGS researchers and bioethicists. The panel moderator has experience in community-engaged biobank governance and will facilitate attendee discussion around ELSI of PGS for social and behavioral traits.

Keywords: polygenic scores, biobank participants, genomic database