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Paper short abstract

This presentation examines ethical and societal issues, focusing on uncertainties of epigenetic testing for predicting suicide, depression, and high-stress environments among children and youth in Japanese case. We will discuss the risk of stigmatization, responsibility, and governance.

Paper long abstract

Recent advances in epigenetic research have raised expectations that biological markers may help identify individuals exposed to chronic stress or at risk for mental health problems. In particular, epigenetic testing has been discussed as a potential tool for detecting the risk of suicide, depression, or high-stress environments among children and adolescents. While such approaches may contribute to early intervention and preventive support, they also raise significant ethical and societal concerns.

This presentation examines the ethical and societal issues associated with the emerging use of epigenetic testing for mental health risk assessment in children and youth. Particular attention has been paid to the uncertainties surrounding the scientific interpretation and predictive validity of epigenetic markers. Because epigenetic changes are influenced by complex interactions among biological, environmental, and social factors, the translation of such data into individual-level risk prediction remains highly uncertain.

The presentation further discusses the potential risks of stigmatization and labeling when biological indicators are used to identify vulnerable children. The use of epigenetic information may inadvertently reinforce deterministic interpretations of mental health risk or lead to discrimination in educational, welfare, or family contexts. In addition, questions arise regarding responsibility and governance: who should manage and interpret such sensitive data; how consent should be obtained in the case of minors; and how the benefits and risks of testing should be balanced.

By examining these ethical and societal challenges, this study aims to contribute to broader discussions on the responsible governance of emerging epigenetic technologies in mental health and child welfare contexts.