Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 13, 2026
09:16
Use of a Video Scoring Anchor for Rapid Serial Assessment of Social Communication in Toddlers
Published on: March 14, 2018
Creating a social world: a developmental twin study of peer-group deviance
Kenneth S Kendler1, Kristen C Jacobson, Charles O Gardner
1Virginia Institute of Psychiatric and Behavioral Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University Medical School, VA 23298-0126, USA.
Archives of General Psychiatry
|August 8, 2007
Summary
Genetic factors increasingly influence peer-group deviance as males mature, while shared environment lessens. Individual-specific environments become more critical after leaving home, impacting developmental trajectories.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Psychology
- Behavioral Genetics
- Psychopathology
Background:
- Peer-group deviance is a significant predictor of externalizing behaviors.
- Limited understanding exists regarding the origins of individual differences in peer-group deviance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the genetic and environmental influences on peer-group deviance.
- To track these influences from mid-childhood through early adulthood in male twins.
Main Methods:
- Utilized retrospective life-history calendar assessments.
- Employed biometric growth curve modeling.
- Analyzed data from male-male twin pairs (N=1802) from the Virginia Twin Registry.
Main Results:
- Peer-group deviance and its variance increased with age.
- Heritability of peer-group deviance rose from approximately 30% in childhood to 50% in early adulthood.
- Genetic influences on deviance increased over time, while shared environmental influences decreased.
Conclusions:
- Genetic factors become more prominent in peer selection with age, whereas shared environmental factors diminish.
- Individual-specific environmental influences grow in importance as individuals establish independent living.
- Distinct developmental pathways for peer-group deviance emerge based on genetic versus shared environmental origins.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:20Social Foundations of Self II: The Generalized Other
According to George Herbert Mead, as children progress beyond the game stage, they develop a more comprehensive understanding of societal rules and norms. This cognitive and social development enables them to internalize the expectations of the broader community, refining their ability to regulate behavior.Consistent participation in organized activities is crucial in helping children recognize that their actions are not isolated but contribute to a more significant, interconnected group effort.
01:23Influence of Parents and Peers on Identity
Adolescence is a pivotal period of identity formation, during which individuals begin to answer questions central to their sense of self, such as "Who am I?" and "Who do I hope to become?" Both parents and peers play critical roles in guiding adolescents through this complex developmental phase.
Parental Influence on Identity Development
Parents serve as primary guides and managers in an adolescent's life, offering support instrumental in decision-making and personal growth. This guiding role...
Parental Influence on Identity Development
Parents serve as primary guides and managers in an adolescent's life, offering support instrumental in decision-making and personal growth. This guiding role...
01:30Socioemotional Experience and Gender Development
Social-emotional experiences and cultural influences play significant roles in shaping gender development. During middle childhood, from ages 6 to 11, peer groups become dominant in reinforcing gender norms. Children in this age group often align with same-gender peer groups, which actively encourage behaviors that conform to traditional gender roles. For instance, boys may be discouraged from engaging in activities perceived as feminine, reinforcing culturally dictated norms about masculinity...
01:15Causes of Social Behavior II: Cognitive Processes
Cognitive processes affect social behavior by guiding how individuals perceive, interpret, and respond to social stimuli. These mental processes enable individuals to assess others' behaviors, attribute causes to their actions, and form expectations based on past experiences.Causes of Behavior and Social JudgmentsIndividuals determine the causes of others' behaviors by distinguishing between personal traits and external circumstances. For example, if a friend frequently arrives late, an...
01:24Social Foundations of Self I: Play and Game
The development of self in children is deeply rooted in social interactions, mainly through stages of play and structured games. These stages, outlined by sociologist George Herbert Mead, illustrate how children progressively learn to understand and adopt social roles, forming a cohesive sense of self.The Play Stage: Imitation and Simple Role-TakingIn the early years of childhood, the play stage is characterized by imitative behavior, where children engage in role-playing based on familiar...
01:29Relationship with Other Adult Family Members and Siblings
Other adult family members and siblings play a crucial role in shaping children’s social and emotional development. While parents or primary caregivers are often the central figures in early attachment and socialization, other adults in a child’s life, such as grandparents, aunts, and uncles, can significantly influence developmental outcomes. These influences depend on each adult’s personality and may help compensate when a primary caregiver is emotionally distant or inconsistent. For...