Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 13, 2026

Rapid Fractionation and Isolation of Whole Blood Components in Samples Obtained from a Community-based Setting
Published on: November 30, 2015
Genetic and environmental pathways to suicidal behavior: reflections of a genetic epidemiologist
1Virginia Institute for Psychiatric and Behavioral Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University Medical School, Box 980126, 800 E. Leigh Street, Richmond, VA 23298-0126, USA. kendler@vcu.edu
Abstract:
This paper presents a tentative typology of genetic and environmental pathways to suicidal behavior. Ten pathways are proposed and briefly illustrated: (i) direct effects from psychiatric disorders; (ii) direct effects from personality; (iii) direct effects of early adversity; (iv) direct effects of current adversity; (v) indirect effects of genes on selection into adversity (gene-environment correlation); (vi) interactions between genetic risk and current adversity: gene-environment interaction; (vii) interactions between early and current adversity: environment-environment interaction; (viii) interactions between culture and genes; (ix) dynamic developmental pathways involving causal loops from genes to environment and back again; and (x) gene x environment x development interaction.
Related Concept Videos
Human Genetics
The complex relationship between genetics and psychology is observable through common biological components such...
Psychological and Sociocultural Causes of Schizophrenia
Behavioral Genetics and Its Designs
The primary methodologies used in behavior genetics include family studies, twin studies, and adoption studies, each providing unique...
Depressive Disorders: Etiology
Biological Factors in Depression
Biological predispositions significantly influence the risk of developing depressive disorders. Genetic studies highlight the role of variations in the serotonin transporter...
Biological Causes of Schizophrenia
Genetic Factors in Schizophrenia
The genetic basis of schizophrenia is strongly supported by family and twin studies.
Causes of Social Behavior III: Biological and Environmental Influences

