Genetic and environmental influences on sociopolitical attitudes

2018 ◽  
Vol 37 (2) ◽  
pp. 236-249 ◽  
Author(s):  
Edward Bell ◽  
Christian Kandler ◽  
Rainer Riemann
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Factors ◽  
Environmental Influences ◽  
The Self ◽  
Self Report ◽  
New Paradigm ◽  
German Sample ◽  
Self Reports ◽  
Sociopolitical Attitudes ◽  
Genetic And Environmental Factors ◽  
Peer Reports

A new paradigm has emerged in which both genetic and environmental factors are cited as possible influences on sociopolitical attitudes. Despite the increasing acceptance of this paradigm, several aspects of the approach remain underdeveloped. Specifically, limitations arise from a reliance on a twins-only design, and all previous studies have used self-reports only. There are also questions about the extent to which existing findings generalize cross-culturally. To address those issues, this study examined individual differences in liberalism/conservatism in a German sample that included twins, their parents, and their spouses and incorporated both self- and peer reports. The self-report findings from this extended twin family design were largely consistent with previous research that used that rater perspective, but they provided higher estimates of heritability, shared parental environmental influences, assortative mating, and genotype-environment correlation than the results from peer reports. The implications of these findings for the measurement and understanding of sociopolitical attitudes are explored.

The Bielefeld Longitudinal Study of Adult Twins (BiLSAT)

2012 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. 167-172 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christian Kandler ◽  
Rainer Riemann ◽  
Frank M. Spinath ◽  
Wiebke Bleidorn ◽  
Wolfgang Thiel ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Longitudinal Study ◽  
Environmental Influences ◽  
Major Life Events ◽  
Major Life ◽  
Self Reports ◽  
Current Article ◽  
Individual Variables ◽  
Adult Twins ◽  
Peer Reports ◽  
Future Plans

The Bielefeld Longitudinal Study of Adult Twins (BiLSAT) is a German longitudinal study of monozygotic and dizygotic twins reared together, including more than 1,100 twin pairs aged between 14 and 80 who participated in the first wave. Data were collected at five waves of assessment between 1993 and 2009. Initially, the study focused on genetic and environmental influences on the structure and the development in adult temperament and personality. Today, the study includes a broad range of individual variables, such as personality disorders, major life goals, interests, attitudes, values, life and work satisfaction, and major life events. A special feature of this genetically informative study lies in the multiple-rater approach (i.e., self-reports and peer reports). Longitudinal multiple-rater analyses allow researchers to go beyond the basic nature–nurture decomposition of variance in self-reports examining genetic and environmental influences on stability and change in more accurately measured individual attributes. In the current article, we briefly describe the design and contents of BiLSAT as well as some recent major findings and future plans.

scholarly journals What they say and what they do: comparing physical activity across the USA, England and the Netherlands

2018 ◽  
Vol 72 (6) ◽  
pp. 471-476 ◽  
Author(s):  
Arie Kapteyn ◽  
James Banks ◽  
Mark Hamer ◽  
James P Smith ◽  
Andrew Steptoe ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
The Netherlands ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
The Self ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Objective Measures ◽  
Accelerometer Data ◽  
Physically Active ◽  
Self Reports ◽  
The Usa

BackgroundPhysical activity (PA) is important for maintaining health, but there are fundamental unanswered questions on how best it should be measured.MethodsWe measured PA in the Netherlands (n=748), the USA (n=540) and England (n=254), both by a 7 day wrist-worn accelerometer and by self-reports. The self-reports included a global self-report on PA and a report on the frequency of vigorous, moderate and mild activity.ResultsThe self-reported data showed only minor differences across countries and across groups within countries (such as different age groups or working vs non-working respondents). The accelerometer data, however, showed large differences; the Dutch and English appeared to be much more physically active than Americans h (For instance, among respondents aged 50 years or older 38% of Americans are in the lowest activity quintile of the Dutch distribution). In addition, accelerometer data showed a sharp decline of PA with age, while no such pattern was observed in self-reports. The differences between objective measures and self-reports occurred for both types of self-reports.ConclusionIt is clear that self-reports and objective measures tell vastly different stories, suggesting that across countries people use different response scales when answering questions about how physically active they are.

A Behavioral Genetic Analysis of Alexithymia and the Dark Triad Traits of Personality

2013 ◽  
Vol 16 (3) ◽  
pp. 690-697 ◽  
Author(s):  
Molly Cairncross ◽  
Livia Veselka ◽  
Julie Aitken Schermer ◽  
Philip A. Vernon
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Factors ◽  
Genetic Analysis ◽  
Community Sample ◽  
Dark Triad ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Behavioral Genetic ◽  
Phenotypic Correlations ◽  
American Adult ◽  
The Common ◽  
Genetic And Environmental Factors

The present study is the first to assess phenotypic correlations between alexithymia and the Dark Triad traits of personality in a community sample, as well as the common genetic and environmental factors underlying these correlations. Participants were 232 North American adult twin pairs who completed the Narcissistic Personality Inventory, the Self-Report Psychopathy Scale, the MACH-IV, and the Toronto Alexithymia Scale. Results revealed that alexithymia correlates significantly and positively with psychopathy and Machiavellianism, and negatively with narcissism. Subsequent bivariate behavioral genetic analysis demonstrated that these phenotypic correlations were primarily attributable to common genetic and common non-shared environmental factors. The implication of these findings regarding the maladaptive functions of alexithymia within the antisocial realm of behavior and the need for replication are discussed.

Genetic and environmental influences on anorexia nervosa syndromes in a population–based twin sample

2001 ◽  
Vol 31 (4) ◽  
pp. 737-740 ◽  
Author(s):  
K. L. KLUMP ◽  
K. B. MILLER ◽  
P. K. KEEL ◽  
M. McGUE ◽  
W. G. IACONO
Keyword(s):  
Anorexia Nervosa ◽  
Environmental Factors ◽  
Environmental Influences ◽  
Model Fitting ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Structured Interviews

Background. Genetic and environmental influences on broadly-defined anorexia nervosa (AN) syndrome were examined in a population-based twin sample.Methods. AN syndrome was assessed in 672 female 17 year-old twins using structured interviews and a self-report questionnaire.Results. Twenty-six probands with AN syndrome were identified. Biometrical model-fitting analyses indicated that genetic and non-shared environmental factors accounted for 74 % and 26 % of the variance in AN syndrome, respectively.Conclusions. Findings support previous research indicating significant genetic and non-shared environmental influences on AN syndromes.

Genetic and environmental factors in the aetiology of menstrual, premenstrual and neurotic symptoms: a population-based twin study

1992 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
pp. 85-100 ◽  
Author(s):  
K. S. Kendler ◽  
J. L. Silberg ◽  
M. C. Neale ◽  
R. C. Kessler ◽  
A. C. Heath ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Factors ◽  
Genetic Factors ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Premenstrual Symptoms ◽  
Menstrual Symptoms ◽  
Multivariate Genetic Analysis ◽  
Genetic And Environmental Factors ◽  
Population Based Registry ◽  
Anxiety Depression

SYNOPSISSymptoms during the premenstrual and menstrual phases of the female reproductive cycle were assessed in 827 pairs of female same-sex twins from a population-based registry. By conventional factor analysis, premenstrual and menstrual symptoms were relatively independent of one another and of baseline ‘neurotic’ symptoms (i.e. anxiety, depression and somatization). Familial resemblance for menstrual and premenstrual symptoms was due solely to genetic factors with heritability estimates of 39·2% and 35·1%, respectively. Multivariate genetic analysis revealed distinct genetic and environmental factors for menstrual, premenstrual and neurotic symptoms. The genes and individual-specific experiences that predispose to premenstrual symptoms appear to be largely distinct from those which predispose either to menstrual or to neurotic symptoms. The generalizability of these results may be limited because only a modest number of premenstrual and menstrual symptoms were assessed, all by retrospective self-report.

Genetic and environmental risk factors in males for self-report externalizing traits in mid-adolescence and criminal behavior through young adulthood

2013 ◽  
Vol 43 (10) ◽  
pp. 2161-2168 ◽  
Author(s):  
K. S. Kendler ◽  
C. J. Patrick ◽  
H. Larsson ◽  
C. O. Gardner ◽  
P. Lichtenstein
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Environmental Factors ◽  
Environmental Risk ◽  
Genetic Risk ◽  
Criminal Behavior ◽  
Environmental Risk Factors ◽  
Environmental Risks ◽  
The Self ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Equation Modeling

BackgroundExternalizing traits or behaviors are typically assessed by self-report scales or criminal records. Few genetically informative studies have used both methods to determine whether they assess the same genetic or environmental risk factors.MethodWe examined 442 male Swedish twin pairs with self-reported externalizing behaviors at age 16–17 years [externalizing traits (EXT), self-reported delinquency (SRD), impulsivity (IMP), grandiosity (GRD) and callousness (CLS)] and criminal behavior (CB) from the National Suspect Registry from age 13 to 25 years. Multivariate structural equation modeling was conducted with Mx.ResultsThe best-fit model contained one genetic, one shared environmental and two non-shared environmental common factors, and variable specific genetic and non-shared environmental factors. The risk for CB was influenced substantially by both genetic (a2 = 0.48) and familial–environmental factors (c2 = 0.22). About one-third of the genetic risk for CB but all of the shared environmental risk was indexed by the self-report measures. The degree to which the individual measures reflected genetic versus familial–environmental risks for CB varied widely. GRD and CLS were correlated with CB mainly through common genetic risk factors. SRD and CB covaried largely because of shared familial–environmental factors. For EXT and IMP, observed correlations with CB resulted in about equal parts from shared genetic and shared familial–environmental factors.ConclusionsIn adolescence, measures of grandiose and callous temperament best tap the genetic liability to CB. Measures of antisocial behaviors better index familial–environmental risks for CB. A substantial proportion of the genetic risk to CB was not well reflected in any of the self-report measures.

scholarly journals Agreement Between Proxy-Rated and Self-Reported Quality of Life for Persons With Dementia

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 262-262
Author(s):  
Mariko Sakka ◽  
Ayumi Igarashi ◽  
Chie Fukui ◽  
Maiko Noguchi-Watanabe ◽  
Asa Inagaki ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Intraclass Correlation ◽  
Correlation Coefficients ◽  
The Self ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Intraclass Correlation Coefficients ◽  
Proxy Rating ◽  
Self Reports ◽  
Two Measures

Abstract While quality of life (QOL) is an important endpoint of homecare for persons with dementia (PWD), PWDs often have difficulty in articulating their QOL by themselves. Instead proxy-rating is often used. However, evidence is still scarce regarding to what extent proxy-ratings reflect actual QOL of PWDs. We examined the association between self-report QOL by PWDs and proxy-rated QOL. We conducted a questionnaire survey to PWDs who were 75 years and older, their family, and homecare nurse in charge of the PWD. Two measures were used: 1) a newly developed, 4-item self-report for QOL of PWDs, and 2) a standardized, 6-item proxy-rating dementia QOL scale. In the self-report, the PWD were asked about their daily mood or satisfaction in life in brief, easy-to-understand sentences. The self-reports and proxy-ratings were compared using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC). Data from 382 PWDs, 248 family caregivers and 124 nurses were used. The mean age of PWD was 85.9 years and 60.5% were female. The proxy-rating by nurses were more strongly associated with self-reports, compared to the association between family proxy rating and self-reports (r = 0.351, p < .001; r = 0.236, p < .001, respectively). Proxy ratings by spouses and biological children were significantly associated with self-report (r = 0.257, p =.004; r =. 204, p = .006, respectively), while rating by children-in-law were not (r = 0.217, p = .160). Proxy-ratings may not be an appropriate substitute for self-report. Homecare nurses may evaluate the QOL of PWD better than their family caregiver.

scholarly journals Sex Differences in Genetic and Environmental Influences on Adolescent Depressive Symptoms: A Meta-Analytic Review

2015 ◽  
Vol 2015 ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jie Chen ◽  
Jing Yu
Keyword(s):  
Sex Differences ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Environmental Factors ◽  
Sex Difference ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Environmental Influences ◽  
Twin Studies ◽  
Adolescent Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Analytic Review ◽  
Self Reports

Although sex difference in the mean level of depressive symptoms has been well established, the sex difference in genetic and environmental influences on adolescent depressive symptoms is unclear. The current study conducted a meta-analysis of twin studies on sex differences in self- and parent-reported adolescent depressive symptoms. For self-reports, genetic factors influenced adolescent depressive symptoms equally for boys and girls, accounting for 46% of variation, but shared environmental factors had stronger impacts on adolescent girls’ versus boys’ depressive symptoms (13% versus 1% of the variance). For parent-reports, genetic, shared, and nonshared environmental factors influenced adolescent depressive symptoms equally, with separate estimates of 34%, 35%, and 31%. The implications of sex difference in genetic and environmental etiologies of depressive symptoms are discussed.

Interaction Between Experience Seeking and Genetic and Environmental Influences on General Cognitive Ability

2012 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
pp. 87-96 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna A. E. Vinkhuyzen ◽  
Sophie van der Sluis ◽  
Danielle Posthuma
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Factors ◽  
Cognitive Ability ◽  
Environmental Influences ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Phenotypic Correlation ◽  
General Cognitive Ability ◽  
Seeking Behavior ◽  
Environmental Causes ◽  
Genetic And Environmental Factors ◽  
Adult Twins

Although it is well established that experience seeking behavior (ES) is positively related to cognitive functioning, the mechanisms underlying this association are not clearly understood. In a large sample of adult twins and siblings (N = 864, age range 23–75), we studied the causes of covariation between ES and general cognitive ability and we studied whether ES moderates the genetic and environmental causes of variation in general cognitive ability. Results demonstrate a phenotypic correlation of .17 (p <.001) between general cognitive ability and ES, with a common genetic and common environmental background. Moreover, the extent to which genetic and environmental factors are shared between general cognitive ability and ES is increased in individuals with either lower or higher levels of ES. In addition, the extent to which genetic and environmental factors influence individual differences in general cognitive ability in adults partly depended on ES. Standardized influences of additive genetic factors on general cognitive ability ranged from 13% to 99%, with lower estimates in higher levels of ES, while standardized estimates of environmental factors ranged from almost 1% to 87%, with higher estimates in higher levels of ES. Hence, ES and cognitive ability are not only associated through common genetic and environmental factors, but also via moderating effects of genetic and environmental influences on cognitive ability by ES. These findings have implications for future studies on the association between ES and general cognitive ability, and for future research on the genetics of cognitive ability.

scholarly journals Mental Imagery in Translation Processes

2017 ◽  
pp. 201 ◽  
Author(s):  
Celia Martín De León
Keyword(s):  
Mental Imagery ◽  
Language Comprehension ◽  
Spatial Relations ◽  
The Self ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Abstract Concepts ◽  
Mental Images ◽  
Individual Preferences ◽  
Self Reports ◽  
Mental Imaging

The use of mental imagery has been claimed in Translation and Interpreting Studies to help students to understand source texts as well as to avoid interferences. The role played by mental images in translation and interpreting has, however, been scarcely investigated. This study explores the use of mental images by translation students, drawing on embodied approaches to language comprehension – in particular, on the Language and Situated Simulation (LASS) theory. Five translation students translated three texts with different contents (respectively focusing on objects, on spatial relations and on abstract concepts). Four kinds of data were collected: (1) a self-report questionnaire about individual preferences in the use of mental imagery; (2) key-logged translation processes; (3) finished translations, and (4) self-reports about mental imaging during the translation processes. The results suggest that there are individual differences in the use of mental images in translation and that the participants’ individual imaging profiles, as assessed by the self-report Object-Spatial Imagery and Verbal Questionnaire (OSIVQ), may help to explain these differences.

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