Page 50 - EMCAPP-Journal No. 13

Comment to “Epigenetics

– environmental influences Ken Logan, Psy.D.
is a professor of
control the activity of our clinical psycholo-

genes“ gy in George Fox
University’s doc-
tor of psychology
by Kenneth Logan (USA) program. He re-
ceived his masters
and doctorate
degrees in Clini-
cal Psychology from the California School
Recent research findings and theoretical deter- of Professional Psychology-Sacramento in
minations about the epigenetic process are sug- 2002. Dr. Logan has taught in undergradu-
gesting both hope and accountability in how we ate, graduate, and seminary settings since
deal with our behavior and experiences, and the 1997. His research interests include the ef-
subsequent impact on future generations. fects of relational and spiritual experiences
on attachment and autonomic nervous sy-
Although our DNA sequence itself does not stem function. Dr. Logan has been in private
change through our experiences, the expression practice since 1995 and his areas of clinical
of DNA replication is altered through the mo- specialization include trauma treatment, ge-
dified function of the epigenome. Gene expres- neral individual psychotherapy, and super-
sion modification happens through changes in vision. He specializes working with first re-
methylation or histone function. Methylation sponders, military, ministry, and missionary
functions like a chemical cap that limits genes families.
from being expressed. Likewise, histone func-
tion can be altered. This alteration can cause
changes in gene expression by wrapping desi-
rable genes too tightly, which limits gene repli-
cation. Alternatively, other undesirable genes our choices to engage in unhealthy behaviors
can be turned on, due to a loosening of histones. do not just affect us. They affect our children
and grandchildren. From this perspective, we
These recent discoveries are finding hope in the are challenged to make good lifestyle choices.
positive impact of life enrichment activities on We are accountable to protect future generati-
those affected by trauma and the offspring of ons through our courage to pursue growth and
those affected by trauma. Actions taken to reco- recovery and to make lifestyle choices that mi-
ver from trauma positively impact a survivor‘s nimize adverse life events. Enriching our lives
biology. We have known this for a long while and changing our behaviors promote both the
now. What we did not realize was the impact on psychological and genetic healing of the indivi-
the expression of the survivor‘s DNA and then dual in addition to the gene expression in future
the subsequent manifestation of those changes children.
in the survivor‘s offspring. Hope for future ge-
nerations is found in the current generation‘s The research currently focuses on epigenetic
courage to recover from the effects of adverse influences on health and wellbeing. I sincerely
life events. appreciate Schlagmüller‘s integration of epige-
netic research outcomes with the biblical text.
We find accountability in the epigenetic re- He offers us a biological rationale for the di-
search as well. Our behaviors and experiences rections provided to us in the holy scriptures.
do not merely affect us alone. It also affects fu- I was reflecting on the verses in Exodus 20:4-6,
ture generations. Our adverse experiences and which talk about iniquities being visited on the

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