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Polygenic Risk, Personality Dimensions, and Adolescent Alcohol Use Problems: A Longitudinal Study
James J Li1, Jeanne E Savage2, Kenneth S Kendler2
1Waisman Center, Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin.
Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs
|May 13, 2017
Summary
Genetic predisposition to alcohol use problems is linked to sensation seeking in adolescents. This personality trait partially mediates the genetic risk, influencing later alcohol use problems. Understanding these pathways is crucial for prevention.
Area of Science:
- Behavioral Genetics
- Adolescent Psychology
- Psychopathology
Background:
- Alcohol use problems in adolescence predict adult substance dependence and psychopathology.
- Genetic factors and personality traits are implicated in the development of alcohol use problems.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the polygenic influences on adolescent alcohol use problems.
- To examine if personality dimensions mediate the association between genetic risk and alcohol use problems.
Main Methods:
- Genome-wide approach using polygenic risk scores (PRS) in two longitudinal cohorts (FinnTwin12, ALSPAC).
- Parallel multiple mediator model to assess personality dimensions (sensation seeking, negative emotionality) as mediators.
- Analysis of alcohol dependence symptoms and alcohol use problems at age 16.
Main Results:
- Polygenic risk scores showed a marginal predictive association with adolescent alcohol use problems.
- Sensation seeking partially mediated the relationship between PRS and alcohol use problems.
- Genetic influences on alcohol use problems may directly impact sensation seeking, affecting later adolescent outcomes.
Conclusions:
- Sensation seeking in early adolescence is a significant factor in the developmental pathway of alcohol use problems.
- Findings support the role of personality in mediating genetic predispositions to alcohol use disorders.
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