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Social Support and Strain Across Close Relationships: A Twin Study
Julia Kutschke1, May-Bente Bengtson1, Teresa E Seeman2
1Medical Department, Vestfold Hospital Trust, Tønsberg, Norway.
Behavior Genetics
|April 14, 2018
Summary
Genetic and environmental factors significantly influence social relationships and well-being. Social support and strain are linked, with genetic factors playing a key role in these associations across different relationship types.
Area of Science:
- Behavioral Genetics
- Social Psychology
- Gerontology
Background:
- Social relationships are fundamental to lifelong health and well-being.
- Understanding the interplay of genetic and environmental influences on social dynamics is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the genetic and environmental variance-covariance structure of social support and strain.
- To examine these structures across diverse relationship types (co-twin, spouse/partner, family, friends).
Main Methods:
- Utilized a large sample of 5288 Norwegian twins aged 40-80.
- Employed quantitative genetic modeling to estimate variance components for social support and strain.
- Assessed relationships across co-twin, spouse/partner, family, and friends.
Main Results:
- Genetic influences accounted for 0-58% of the variance in social support and strain across relationships.
- Shared environmental influences were most significant in the co-twin relationship (0.11-0.42%).
- Older adults reported lower support and strain from co-twins and friends.
- Social support and strain were negatively correlated across all relationship types.
Conclusions:
- Genetic factors are important contributors to individual differences in social support and strain.
- Environmental factors, particularly non-shared environment, mediate the link between social support and strain, except in co-twin relationships.
- Findings highlight the complex interplay of nature and nurture in shaping social connections and their impact on well-being.
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