Genetics and Psychology: Beyond Heritability

2001 ◽  
Vol 6 (4) ◽  
pp. 229-240 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert Plomin ◽  
Essi Colledge
Keyword(s):  
Individual Differences ◽  
Genetic Factors ◽  
Behavioral Genetics ◽  
Genetic Research ◽  
Genetic Influences ◽  
Behavioral Traits ◽  
Nonshared Environment ◽  
Genetic Mechanisms ◽  
Asking Questions ◽  
Psychological Dimensions

The questions whether and how much genetic factors affect psychological dimensions and disorders represent important first steps in understanding the origins of individual differences. Because it is now widely accepted that genetic influences contribute importantly to individual differences throughout psychology, genetic research is moving beyond merely estimating heritability to asking questions about how genetic mechanisms work. We focus on two examples of ways in which genetic research is going beyond heritability. The first is to use genetically sensitive designs to identify specific environmental influences, taking into account two of the most important findings from behavioral genetics: nonshared environment and genotype-environment correlation. The second is to use the new tools of molecular genetics to identify specific genes responsible for the substantial heritability of a variety of behavioral traits.

Twin Study of Impulsive Buying and its Overlap with Personality

2013 ◽  
Vol 34 (1) ◽  
pp. 8-14 ◽  
Author(s):  
Denis Bratko ◽  
Ana Butkovic ◽  
Michael Bosnjak
Keyword(s):  
Individual Differences ◽  
Personality Traits ◽  
Twin Study ◽  
Genetic Factors ◽  
Factor Model ◽  
Behavioral Genetics ◽  
Five Factor Model ◽  
Genetic Influences ◽  
Impulsive Buying ◽  
Age And Sex

This study explores the origins of individual differences in impulsive buying from a behavioral genetics perspective. It also assesses whether phenotypic associations between personality and impulsive buying tendency can be attributed to overlapping genetic factors. Data were collected via mail for 339 twin pairs. Personality traits according to a five-factor model and impulsive buying were measured. The results indicate that additive genetic, shared environmental, and nonshared environmental influences may be important for individual differences in impulsive buying. Phenotypic correlations with Impulsivity (r = .32), Neuroticism (r = .23), and Extraversion (r = .20) are largely driven by the overlapping genetic influences. Together with age and sex personality traits explain 25% of individual differences in impulsive buying tendency. These results add to our understanding of individual differences in impulsive buying and the nature of its relationship with personality.

scholarly journals Minimally invasive brain injections for viral-mediated transgenesis: New tools for behavioral genetics in sticklebacks

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Noelle James ◽  
Alison Bell
Keyword(s):  
Minimally Invasive ◽  
Gasterosteus Aculeatus ◽  
Behavioral Genetics ◽  
Natural Populations ◽  
Model Organisms ◽  
Neurosurgical Procedure ◽  
Behavioral Traits ◽  
Genomic Tools ◽  
Genetic Mechanisms ◽  
Technological Limitations

AbstractBehavioral genetics in non-model organisms is currently gated by technological limitations. However, with the growing availability of genome editing and functional genomic tools, complex behavioral traits such as social behavior can now be explored in diverse organisms. Here we present a minimally invasive neurosurgical procedure for a classic behavioral, ecological and evolutionary system: threespine stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus). This method of direct brain injection enables viral-mediated transgenesis and pharmaceutical delivery which bypasses the blood-brain barrier. This method is flexible, fast, and amenable to statistically powerful within-subject experimental designs, making it well-suited for use in genetically diverse animals such as those collected from natural populations.Viral-mediated transgenesis in the brain allows for a direct examination of the genetic mechanisms underlying behavior in wild-caught animals from natural populations. Using this method, we were able to detect changes in aggression from the knockdown of either of two different genes, arginine vasopressin (AVP) and monoamine oxidase (MAOA), in outbred animals in less than one month. In addition, we demonstrate that widely available mammalian plasmids work with this method, lowering the barrier of entry to the technique.

scholarly journals Young Netherlands Twin Register (Y-NTR): A Longitudinal Multiple Informant Study of Problem Behavior

2007 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 3-11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Meike Bartels ◽  
C. E. M. (Toos) van Beijsterveldt ◽  
Eske M. Derks ◽  
Therese M. Stroet ◽  
Tinca J. C. Polderman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Individual Differences ◽  
The Netherlands ◽  
Genetic Factors ◽  
Environmental Influences ◽  
Attention Problems ◽  
Internalizing Behavior ◽  
Emotional And Behavioral Problems ◽  
Genetic Influences ◽  
Shared Environment ◽  
Rater Bias

AbstractThe Netherlands Twin Register (NTR) was established around 1987 at the Vrije Universiteit in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. The current article summarizes the longitudinal genetic analyses of maternal and paternal ratings of twins' behavior as a function of the sex of the children for the traits of aggression (AGG), attention problems (AP), anxious/depression (ANX), internalizing behavior (INT) and externalizing behavior (EXT). We found that genetic influences are the most important factor in explaining individual differences in these traits. For most phenotypes, influences of genetic factors fluctuate throughout development, with the exception of AP, for which genetic influences remain of similar magnitude. Changes in genetic influences parallel those in shared environmental influences, while nonshared environmental influences remain relatively constant. Around 10% to 20% of the variance is accounted for by parent-specific shared environment, which includes rater bias. For all phenotypes, stability throughout childhood is accounted for by genetic and shared environmental factors, while nonshared environmental influences are mainly age/measurement specific. About 15% of the phenotypic stability is accounted for by rater-specific shared environmental influences, which include rater bias. In conclusion, between ages 3 and 12 genetic factors are the most important cause of individual differences in emotional and behavioral problems.

Examining Relational Aggression in an Individual Differences Context

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jennifer L. Tackett ◽  
Avantè J. Smack ◽  
Kathleen W. Reardon
Keyword(s):  
Individual Differences ◽  
Relational Aggression ◽  
Genetic Factors ◽  
Behavioral Genetics ◽  
Self Regulation ◽  
Three Dimensions ◽  
Personality Pathology ◽  
Normal Range ◽  
Relationally Aggressive ◽  
Internal And External Factors

Individual differences, such as normal-range personality, personality pathology, and genetics (specifically behavioral genetics), are variables or constructs that can be used to distinguish people. Individual differences have also been used to understand differences in antisocial behavior, including relational aggression, and can help inform the scientific conceptualization of this behavior. This chapter summarizes evidence for individual differences in relational aggression in three dimensions: normal-range personality, personality pathology, and behavioral genetics. Relationally aggressive behaviors are associated with normal-range personality traits, including high negative affect and low interpersonal and intrapersonal self-regulation. Relational aggression also overlaps with personality pathology. With regard to genetics, relational aggression can be explained by genetic factors and also shows substantial influences from environmental factors. Taken together, relational aggression is probably influenced by a number of internal and external factors, and individual differences research highlights potential heterogeneity in the construct.

scholarly journals Callous–unemotional behaviors in early childhood: Genetic and environmental contributions to stability and change

2016 ◽  
Vol 29 (4) ◽  
pp. 1227-1234 ◽  
Author(s):  
Megan Flom ◽  
Kimberly J. Saudino
Keyword(s):  
Early Childhood ◽  
Individual Differences ◽  
Child Behavior Checklist ◽  
Significant Contribution ◽  
Genetic Factors ◽  
Environmental Influences ◽  
Genetic Influences ◽  
Stability And Change ◽  
Continuity And Change ◽  
Callous Unemotional

AbstractCallous–unemotional (CU) behaviors demonstrate meaningful individual differences in early childhood, even in nonclinical samples with low mean levels of CU, but the factors underlying this variation have not been examined. This study investigated genetic and environmental contributions to individual differences and to sources of continuity and change in CU in toddler twins (145 monozygotic, 169 dizygotic) assessed at ages 2 and 3 years. CU, as assessed by the Child Behavior Checklist 1.5–5 (Achenbach & Rescorla, 2000), was moderately stable across age (r = .45, p < .0001). Longitudinal biometric analyses revealed genetic and nonshared environmental influences on CU at both ages, with no significant contribution from shared environmental factors. Stability from age 2 to 3 was due to genetic factors, whereas change was due to both genetic and nonshared environmental influences. This genetic and nonshared environmental change was substantial, suggesting malleability of CU in early childhood. Over 50% of the genetic influences and 100% of the nonshared environmental influences on CU at age 3 were independent of those that operated at age 2. Implications of novel sources of variance across age are discussed.

A Behavioural Genetic Perspective on Close Relationships

1997 ◽  
Vol 21 (4) ◽  
pp. 647-667 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alison Pike ◽  
Robert Plomin
Keyword(s):  
Close Relationships ◽  
Genetic Factors ◽  
Genetic Research ◽  
Shared Environment ◽  
Functional Effect ◽  
Genetic Studies ◽  
Psychological Traits ◽  
Nonshared Environment ◽  
Parent Child Relationships ◽  
Parent Child

This paper examines how genetic, shared environment, and nonshared environment influence individual differences in close relationships. First, a brief explanation of behavioural genetic methods is given. Next, we review behavioural genetic studies of the close relationships in which people are typically involved (parent-child, sibling, friend, and spouse). Many of the studies reviewed indicate a modest to moderate role for genetic factors. This suggests that genetic make-up can affect the nature of close relationships. It also implies that genetic factors may be involved in the influence of close relationships on individual adaptation. Behavioural genetic research has begun to show that this is the case. Close relationships may be especially important sources of nonshared environment. Behavioural genetic research consistently shows that environmental factors that have a functional effect on psychological traits work to make siblings in the same family different from one another rather than similar. Attempts to pinpoint specific aspects of the nonshared environment are under way. Parent-child relationships have been systematically explored, and found not to play an important role in nonshared environment. This leaves open the possibility that extrafamilial relationships, in particular friendships, may be important contributors to the nonshared environment.

Genetic influences on life events in childhood

1996 ◽  
Vol 26 (4) ◽  
pp. 813-820 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anita Thapar ◽  
Peter McGuffin
Keyword(s):  
Individual Differences ◽  
Life Events ◽  
Genetic Factors ◽  
Environmental Influence ◽  
Adult Life ◽  
Genetic Influences ◽  
Self Reports

SynopsisUntil recently, life events were considered as chance occurrences. However, there is now increasing evidence that reported life events, at least in adult life are not random. Life events not only tend to cluster in families but also appear to be influenced by genetic factors. The aim of this study was to investigate whether genetic factors also influence reported life events in childhood using a systematically ascertained sample of 376 twin pairs aged 8 to 17. Overall, reported life events in this younger population were found to be heritable. However, the degree of genetic and environmental influence appeared to vary across the sexes, at least for parent-rated life events and according to whether life events were rated by the parents or the children themselves. Genetic influences appeared to be more important for self reports, suggesting that individual differences in cognition play a role in reporting life events.

scholarly journals From Genome-Wide to Environment-Wide: Capturing the Environome

2021 ◽  
pp. 174569162097980
Author(s):  
Sophie von Stumm ◽  
Katrina d’Apice
Keyword(s):  
Individual Differences ◽  
Dna Microarrays ◽  
Genetic Research ◽  
Effect Sizes ◽  
Genetic Influences ◽  
Psychological Traits ◽  
Genome Wide ◽  
Dna Variants ◽  
Gwa Studies ◽  
Behavior And Cognition

Genome-wide association (GWA) studies have shown that genetic influences on individual differences in affect, behavior, and cognition are driven by thousands of DNA variants, each with very small effect sizes. Here, we propose taking inspiration from GWA studies for understanding and modeling the influence of the environment on complex phenotypes. We argue that the availability of DNA microarrays in genetic research is comparable with the advent of digital technologies in psychological science that enable collecting rich, naturalistic observations in real time of the environome, akin to the genome. These data can capture many thousand environmental elements, which we speculate each influence individual differences in affect, behavior, and cognition with very small effect sizes, akin to findings from GWA studies about DNA variants. We outline how the principles and mechanisms of genetic influences on psychological traits can be applied to improve the understanding and models of the environome.

The interplay of genetic influences and social processes in developmental theory: Specific mechanisms are coming into view

2000 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
pp. 357-374 ◽  
Author(s):  
DAVID REISS ◽  
JENAE M. NEIDERHISER
Keyword(s):  
Individual Differences ◽  
Social Environment ◽  
Genetic Factors ◽  
Developmental Theory ◽  
Genetic Influences ◽  
New Findings ◽  
The Social ◽  
Social Environmental ◽  
The Individual ◽  
Social Environmental Factors

In the coming years we can look forward to research that clarifies specific mechanisms that account for the interplay between genetic and environmental influences on psychological development. Certain misconceptions, arising from research traditions initiated by Francis Galton on the one hand and G. Stanley Hall on the other, may now be set aside in the light of new evidence. Three important findings promise a new synthesis. First, while each of us is born with about 100,000 genes that, under ordinary circumstances, do not change, the expression of these genes on behavior is dynamic. Some genetic influences are expressed early in development, but others are manifest many years later. Second, genetic factors often account not only for some of the individual differences in the measures of adjustments we typically use to monitor development but also for individual differences in environmental experiences that covary with those measures of adjustment. Indeed, genetic factors have been found to account for a surprising amount of covariance between measures of the social environment and of adjustment in young children, adolescents, and adults. Third, the expression of genetic influences are very malleable and responsive to the social environment. These new findings are revealing specific mechanisms for the interplay of genetic and social environmental factors in four domains. First, the social environment may play both a necessary and specific role in the expression of particular genetic influences on a range of behaviors from depression to social responsibility. Second, an understanding of the interplay between the social environment and genetics may lead to a clearer definition of the phenotypic manifestations of particular genetic influences. Third, we will—as a result of these studies—have a clearer fix on the timing of important events and their sequence in development. Fourth, this new genre of work promises to illumine more completely mechanisms by which the social environment influences development independent of genetic influence.

Analysis of genetic influences on the consistency and variability of the Big Five across different stressful situations

2001 ◽  
Vol 15 (5) ◽  
pp. 355-371 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gerty Lensvelt‐Mulders ◽  
Joop Hettema
Keyword(s):  
Individual Differences ◽  
Personality Traits ◽  
Big Five ◽  
Daily Life ◽  
Genetic Research ◽  
Identical Twin ◽  
Genetic Influences ◽  
Normal Range ◽  
Main Effect ◽  
Total P

Several studies have demonstrated that individual differences in personality traits, known as the Big Five, have a genetic component. These personality traits are considered important predictors of everyday behaviour. In addition to personality traits there are also factors in the environment that govern behaviour. This dual influence on behaviour is statistically reflected in a P × S interaction. This study examines the genetic and environmental influences on the interactions between a person and his daily life environment for the Big Five. Fifty‐seven identical twin pairs and 43 fraternal twin pairs participated in this study. Trait related behaviour was measured in 30 different situations with the aid of an SR inventory. The heritability coefficients for the main effect of P were in the normal range, varying between 0.35 for Agreeableness and 0.53 for Conscientiousness. The heritability coefficients for the P × S interactions were moderately high, explaining between 26% and 69% of the total P × S variance. The consequences of these results for general and behavioural genetic research on the Big Five will be discussed. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

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