Interaction between BDNF Val66Met and childhood stressful life events is associated to affective memory bias in men but not women

► In past research BDNF Val66Met was associated with the risk for depression in men. ► Effect of BDNF Val66Met and childhood stress on affective memory bias was studied. ► BDNF Val66Met × childhood stress affects affective memory bias in men. ► This interaction effect was not significant in women. ► BDNF Val66Met may increase the cognitive susceptibility for depression in men.