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A common genetic factor explains the association between psychopathic personality and antisocial behavior
Henrik Larsson1, Catherine Tuvblad, Fruhling V Rijsdijk
1Social, Genetic, and Developmental Psychiatry Research Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, King's College London, UK.
Psychological Medicine
|October 20, 2006
Summary
Genetic factors significantly link psychopathic traits and antisocial behavior, while shared environments primarily influence antisocial behavior. This suggests distinct origins for these conditions.
Area of Science:
- Behavioral Genetics
- Developmental Psychology
- Psychopathology
Background:
- Psychopathic personality traits and antisocial behavior are influenced by both genetic and environmental factors.
- The interplay between these factors in their association remains poorly understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the genetic and environmental contributions to the association between psychopathic personality traits and antisocial behavior.
- To explore potential etiological distinctions between these two constructs.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a longitudinal, population-based twin sample of 1480 pairs from Sweden.
- Collected self-report questionnaire data at two time points (ages 13-14 and 16-17).
Main Results:
- A shared genetic factor substantially influenced both psychopathic personality traits and antisocial behavior.
- A shared environmental factor uniquely influenced antisocial behavior.
Conclusions:
- Genetic overlap suggests a vulnerability to externalizing psychopathology.
- Environmental influences specific to antisocial behavior indicate an etiological distinction.
- Understanding temperamental correlates aids in identifying susceptibility genes and early prevention strategies.
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