Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 15, 2026

Gene-environment Interaction Models to Unmask Susceptibility Mechanisms in Parkinson's Disease
Published on: January 7, 2014
Polygenic risk for externalizing disorders: Gene-by-development and gene-by-environment effects in adolescents and
Jessica E Salvatore1, Fazil Aliev1, Kathleen Bucholz2
1Department of Psychiatry, Virginia Commonwealth University.
Abstract:
In this project, we aimed to bring large-scale gene identification findings into a developmental psychopathology framework. Using a family-based sample, we tested whether polygenic scores for externalizing disorders-based on single nucleotide polymorphism weights derived from genome-wide association study results in adults (n = 1,249)-predicted externalizing disorders, subclinical externalizing behavior, and impulsivity-related traits adolescents (n = 248) and young adults (n = 207), and whether parenting and peer factors in adolescence moderated polygenic risk to predict externalizing disorders. Polygenic scores predicted externalizing disorders in adolescents and young adults, even after controlling for parental externalizing disorder history. Polygenic scores also predicted subclinical externalizing behavior and impulsivity traits in the adolescents and young adults. Adolescent parental monitoring and peer substance use moderated polygenic scores to predict externalizing disorders. This illustrates how state of the science genetics can be integrated with psychological science to identify how genetic risk contributes to the development of psychopathology.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Gene-Environment Interactions
Human Genetics
The complex relationship between genetics and psychology is observable through common biological components such...
Background and Environment Affect Phenotype
An example of how genetic background affects phenotype can be seen in horses. The Extension gene in horses is responsible for their coat color. A wild-type gene (EE) produces black pigment in the coat, while a mutant gene (ee) produces red pigment. A...
Behavioral Genetics and Its Designs
The primary methodologies used in behavior genetics include family studies, twin studies, and adoption studies, each providing unique...
Polygenic Traits
Polygenic Traits

