Gene-Environment Processes Linking Aggression, Peer Victimization, and the Teacher-Child Relationship

BackgroundThis study investigated the potential environmental effects of peer victimization and the quality of relationships with parents and friends on diurnal cortisol secretion in mid-adolescence.MethodThis study used the monozygotic (MZ) twin-difference design to control for genetic effects and thus estimate the unique environmental influences on diurnal cortisol. Participants were 136 MZ twin pairs (74 female pairs) for whom cortisol was assessed four times per day over four collection days grouped in a 2-week period in grade 8 (mean age = 14.07 years). Participants also provided self-reports of peer victimization from grade 4 to grade 8 and of the relationship quality with the mother, father and best friend in grade 8.ResultsThe expected pattern of diurnal cortisol secretion was observed, with high levels at awakening followed by an increase 30 min later and a progressive decrease subsequently. Controlling for a host of confounders, only within-twin pair differences in peer victimization and a problematic relationship with the mother were significantly linked to twin differences in diurnal cortisol secretion. Specifically, whereas a more problematic mother–child relationship was associated with morning cortisol secretion, peer victimization was linked to cortisol secretion later in the day (diurnal slope).ConclusionsControlling for genetic influences and other confounders, stressful relationships with peers and the mother exert unique and time-specific environmental influences on the pattern of diurnal cortisol secretion in mid-adolescence.

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Associations between mother–child relationship quality and adolescent adjustment

International Journal of Behavioral Development ◽

10.1177/0165025415620059 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 40 (3) ◽

pp. 196-204 ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

Fanny-Alexandra Guimond ◽

Brett Laursen ◽

Frank Vitaro ◽

Mara Brendgen ◽

Ginette Dionne ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Depressive Symptoms ◽

Relationship Quality ◽

Adolescent Adjustment ◽

Delinquent Behaviors ◽

Child Relationship ◽

Path Analyses ◽

Gene Environment ◽

Longitudinal Association ◽

Maternal Negativity ◽

Mother Child Relationship

This study used a genetically controlled design to examine the direction and the magnitude of effects in the over-time associations between perceived relationship quality with mothers and adolescent maladjustment (i.e., depressive symptoms and delinquency). A total of 163 monozygotic (MZ) twins pairs (85 female pairs, 78 male pairs) completed questionnaires at ages 13 and 14. Non-genetically controlled path analyses models (in which one member of each twin dyad was randomly selected for analyses) were compared with genetically controlled path analyses models (in which MZ-twin difference scores were included in analyses). Results from the non-genetically controlled models revealed a) child-driven effects in the longitudinal associations between adolescent perceived maternal support and depressive symptoms, and b) parent-driven and child-driven effects in the longitudinal association between perceived maternal negativity and adolescent delinquent behaviors. However, results from the genetically controlled models revealed only child-driven effect, suggesting that, purported parent-driven effects were a product of error arising from potential gene-environment correlations (rGE).

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Gene–Environment Processes Linking Peer Victimization and Physical Health Problems: A Longitudinal Twin Study

Journal of Pediatric Psychology ◽

10.1093/jpepsy/jst078 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 39 (1) ◽

pp. 96-108 ◽

Cited By ~ 8

Author(s):

Mara Brendgen ◽

Alain Girard ◽

Frank Vitaro ◽

Ginette Dionne ◽

Richard E. Tremblay ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Health ◽

Peer Victimization ◽

Twin Study ◽

Health Problems ◽

Gene Environment ◽

Physical Health Problems ◽

Longitudinal Twin Study

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Teacher-Child Relationship Quality and Children's Peer Victimization and Aggressive Behavior in Late Childhood

Social Development ◽

10.1111/j.1467-9507.2011.00604.x ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 20 (3) ◽

pp. 536-561 ◽

Cited By ~ 40

Author(s):

Wendy Troop-Gordon ◽

Jessica Kopp

Keyword(s):

Aggressive Behavior ◽

Relationship Quality ◽

Peer Victimization ◽

Late Childhood ◽

Child Relationship

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Evocative gene–environment correlation in the mother–child relationship: A twin study of interpersonal processes

Development and Psychopathology ◽

10.1017/s0954579412000934 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 25 (1) ◽

pp. 105-118 ◽

Cited By ~ 29

Author(s):

Ashlea M. Klahr ◽

Katherine M. Thomas ◽

Christopher J. Hopwood ◽

Kelly L. Klump ◽

S. Alexandra Burt

Keyword(s):

Interpersonal Behavior ◽

Interpersonal Theory ◽

Genetic Influences ◽

Interpersonal Processes ◽

Parent Child Relationship ◽

Maternal Control ◽

Child Relationship ◽

Gene Environment ◽

Mother Child Relationship ◽

And Control

AbstractThe behavior genetic literature suggests that genetically influenced characteristics of the child elicit specific behaviors from the parent. However, little is known about the processes by which genetically influenced child characteristics evoke parental responses. Interpersonal theory provides a useful framework for identifying reciprocal behavioral processes between children and mothers. The theory posits that, at any given moment, interpersonal behavior varies along the orthogonal dimensions of warmth and control and that the interpersonal behavior of one individual tends to elicit corresponding or contrasting behavior from the other (i.e., warmth elicits warmth, whereas control elicits submission). The current study thus examined these dimensions of interpersonal behavior as they relate to the parent–child relationship in 546 twin families. A computer joystick was used to rate videos of mother–child interactions in real time, yielding information on mother and child levels of warmth and control throughout the interaction. Analyses indicated that maternal control, but not maternal warmth, was influenced by evocative gene–environment correlational processes, such that genetic influences on maternal control and child control were largely overlapping. Moreover, these common genetic influences were present both cross-sectionally and over the course of the interaction. Such findings not only confirm the presence of evocative gene–environment correlational processes in the mother–child relationship but also illuminate at least one of the specific interpersonal behaviors that underlie this evocative process.

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Gene–environment interaction between peer victimization and child aggression

Development and Psychopathology ◽

10.1017/s0954579408000229 ◽

2008 ◽

Vol 20 (2) ◽

pp. 455-471 ◽

Cited By ~ 40

Author(s):

Mara Brendgen ◽

Michel Boivin ◽

Frank Vitaro ◽

Alain Girard ◽

Ginette Dionne ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Aggressive Behavior ◽

Peer Victimization ◽

Genetic Risk ◽

Environment Interaction ◽

Child Aggression ◽

Gene Environment Interaction ◽

Genetic Modeling ◽

Gene Environment ◽

Teacher Reports ◽

Peer Nominations

AbstractAlthough peer victimization places children at serious risk for aggressive behavior, not all victimized children are aggressive. The diathesis–stress hypothesis of disease proposes that an environmental stressor such as peer victimization should to lead to maladjustment mostly in those individuals with preexisting genetic vulnerabilities. Accordingly, this study examined whether the link between peer victimization and child aggression is moderated by children's genetic risk for such behavior. Using a sample of 506 6-year-old twins, peer victimization was assessed through peer nominations and aggressive behavior was assessed through peer and teacher reports. Children's genetic risk for aggression was estimated as a function of their co-twin's aggression and the pair's zygosity. Genetic modeling showed that peer victimization is an environmentally driven variable that is unrelated to children's genetic disposition. Results also provided support for the notion of a gene–environment interaction between peer victimization and child's genetic risk for aggressive behavior, albeit only in girls. For boys, peer victimization was related to aggression regardless of the child's genetic risk for such behavior. Different socialization experiences in girls' compared to boys' peer groups may explain the different pattern of results for girls and boys.

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Gene–environment interplay between parent–child relationship problems and externalizing disorders in adolescence and young adulthood

Psychological Medicine ◽

10.1017/s0033291714001445 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 45 (2) ◽

pp. 333-344 ◽

Cited By ~ 17

Author(s):

D. R. Samek ◽

B. M. Hicks ◽

M. A. Keyes ◽

J. Bailey ◽

M. McGue ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Young Adulthood ◽

Externalizing Disorders ◽

Genetic Influence ◽

Environment Interaction ◽

Parent Child Relationship ◽

Relationship Problems ◽

Gene Environment Interaction ◽

Child Relationship ◽

Gene Environment ◽

Parent Child

BackgroundPrevious studies have shown that genetic risk for externalizing (EXT) disorders is greater in the context of adverse family environments during adolescence, but it is unclear whether these effects are long lasting. The current study evaluated developmental changes in gene–environment interplay in the concurrent and prospective associations between parent–child relationship problems and EXT at ages 18 and 25 years.MethodThe sample included 1382 twin pairs (48% male) from the Minnesota Twin Family Study, participating in assessments at ages 18 years (mean = 17.8, s.d. = 0.69 years) and 25 years (mean = 25.0, s.d. = 0.90 years). Perceptions of parent–child relationship problems were assessed using questionnaires. Structured interviews were used to assess symptoms of adult antisocial behavior and nicotine, alcohol and illicit drug dependence.ResultsWe detected a gene–environment interaction at age 18 years, such that the genetic influence on EXT was greater in the context of more parent–child relationship problems. This moderation effect was not present at age 25 years, nor did parent-relationship problems at age 18 years moderate genetic influence on EXT at age 25 years. Rather, common genetic influences accounted for this longitudinal association.ConclusionsGene–environment interaction evident in the relationship between adolescent parent–child relationship problems and EXT is both proximal and developmentally limited. Common genetic influence, rather than a gene–environment interaction, accounts for the long-term association between parent–child relationship problems at age 18 years and EXT at age 25 years. These results are consistent with a relatively pervasive importance of gene–environmental correlation in the transition from late adolescence to young adulthood.

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