Genome-Environment Interactions in Tourism Employees and Genetic Susceptibility to Psychosocial Stress

Abstract

Tourism employees experience high levels of occupational stress stemming from customer interactions, irregular schedules, and task overload, yet responses to these stressors vary widely. This study investigates how genetic susceptibility interacts with environmental stressors to influence psychosocial stress among tourism workers. Candidate genes implicated in stress regulation, including BDNF, HSD11B1, NR3C1, and 5-HTTLPR, mediate neuroendocrine, neurotransmitter, and inflammatory pathways underlying stress response. Using gene–environment (G×E) interaction models, such as diathesis–stress, differential susceptibility, and lifespan–bioecological frameworks, we examine how genetic variation moderates the effects of stress across diverse occupational contexts within tourism. Findings suggest that employees with vulnerable allelic profiles exhibit heightened cortisol responses, altered inflammatory markers, and increased psychosocial stress under high-demand work environments. These insights advance understanding of individualized vulnerability to occupational stress and inform targeted interventions to enhance resilience in tourism workforces.