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Heritability for adolescent antisocial behavior differs with socioeconomic status: gene-environment interaction
Catherine Tuvblad1, Martin Grann, Paul Lichtenstein
1Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Sweden. Catherine.Tuvblad@meb.ki.se
Summary
Socioeconomic status influences genetic and environmental effects on adolescent antisocial behavior. Advantaged environments amplify genetic impacts, while disadvantaged environments increase shared environmental influences, guiding tailored interventions.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Psychology
- Behavioral Genetics
- Sociology
Background:
- Socioeconomic status (SES) is linked to antisocial behavior but explains limited variance.
- SES may moderate genetic and environmental influences on antisocial behavior development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the moderating role of socioeconomic status on genetic and environmental influences on adolescent antisocial behavior.
- To examine how family and neighborhood socioeconomic conditions interact with genetic and environmental factors.
Main Methods:
- Utilized data from the TCHAD (Twin study of Child and Adolescent Development) twin study.
- Analyzed 1,133 adolescent twin pairs (aged 16-17) using self-reported antisocial behavior.
- Employed structural equation modeling to assess interactions between SES and latent genetic/environmental effects.
Main Results:
- Genetic influences on antisocial behavior were stronger in socioeconomically advantaged environments.
- Shared environmental influences were more significant in socioeconomically disadvantaged environments.
- Heritability of antisocial behavior was higher in girls than boys, regardless of SES.
Conclusions:
- Intervention strategies for antisocial behavior should be tailored to socioeconomic contexts.
- Individually focused interventions may be more effective in advantaged areas.
- Community-level interventions are recommended for disadvantaged areas to address shared environmental risks.
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