Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 8, 2026
06:15
A Modified Trier Social Stress Test for Vulnerable Mexican American Adolescents
Published on: July 10, 2017
13.4K
Genetic Liability for Internalizing-Externalizing Traits in Mexican Youth: Moderation by Adversity
Zuriel Ceja1,2, I-Tzu Hung3, Nathaniel Thomas3
1Brain and Mental Health Program, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.
Medrxiv : the Preprint Server for Health Sciences
|December 17, 2025
Summary
Common genetic factors for internalizing-externalizing traits predict psychiatric disorders in Mexican youth. Environmental adversity, like parental loss, further increases disorder risk, highlighting the need for integrated genetic and environmental approaches.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatric Genomics
- Adolescent Mental Health
- Behavioral Genetics
Background:
- Internalizing (INT) and externalizing (EXT) traits are common dimensions of psychopathology.
- Understanding the genetic architecture of these traits and their link to disorders is crucial for Mexican youth.
- Environmental adversity may interact with genetic liabilities to influence disorder development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate genetic liabilities for INT and EXT traits in predicting corresponding disorders in Mexican adolescents.
- To examine whether environmental adversity moderates the association between genetic factors and psychiatric disorders.
- To explore the shared and specific genetic influences on internalizing and externalizing psychopathology.
Main Methods:
- Utilized genomic structural equation modeling (SEM) on genome-wide association summary statistics to derive polygenic scores (PGS) for latent genetic factors.
- Assessed psychiatric diagnoses and adversities in 1,130 Mexican adolescents (ages 12-17) using the World Mental Health Composite International Diagnostic Interview for Adolescents.
- Employed multinomial logistic regression to test associations between PGS, adversity, and disorder outcomes.
Main Results:
- A shared internalizing-externalizing factor (INT-EXT-F) and specific factors (INT-SF, EXT-SF) best fit the genetic data.
- Higher INT-EXT-F PGS were associated with increased risk for externalizing-only and comorbid disorders.
- Parental loss and cumulative adversity moderated the effects of specific genetic factors (EXT-SF PGS) on internalizing, externalizing, and comorbid disorders.
Conclusions:
- Genetic and environmental factors interact to influence psychiatric disorder risk in Mexican youth.
- Findings support the utility of integrating genetic and environmental research in diverse populations.
- This study expands the scope of psychiatric genomic research beyond European ancestries.
More Related Videos
11:31Rapid Fractionation and Isolation of Whole Blood Components in Samples Obtained from a Community-based Setting
Published on: November 30, 2015
16.5K
13:08Measurement of Fronto-limbic Activity Using an Emotional Oddball Task in Children with Familial High Risk for Schizophrenia
Published on: December 2, 2015
9.3K
Related Concept Videos
01:28Human Genetics
1.4K
Human genetics provides a profound framework for understanding the interplay between genetic predispositions and human psychology. At the heart of this discipline lies the study of how genes influence physical traits, behaviors, and susceptibility to diseases. Each person carries a unique genetic code that subtly or significantly shapes their psychological and behavioral landscape.
The complex relationship between genetics and psychology is observable through common biological components such...
The complex relationship between genetics and psychology is observable through common biological components such...
1.4K
01:23Behavioral Genetics and Its Designs
969
Behavior genetics explores how genetic inheritance influences human behavior. It focuses on how genes, passed from parents to offspring, contribute to the development of behavioral traits and tendencies. This branch of genetics seeks to understand the complex interplay between inherited genetic factors and environmental influences in shaping our behaviors.
The primary methodologies used in behavior genetics include family studies, twin studies, and adoption studies, each providing unique...
The primary methodologies used in behavior genetics include family studies, twin studies, and adoption studies, each providing unique...
969
01:27Ethnic Identity within a Larger Culture
211
Adolescents from ethnic minority backgrounds face a multifaceted journey in forming their identities, shaped by the intersections of cultural expectations and personal exploration. For these adolescents, identity formation involves not only typical developmental challenges but also navigating the perceptions and attitudes of the majority culture. As they grow, adolescents in ethnic minority groups often become increasingly aware of stereotypes, social biases, and discrimination, all of which...
211
01:28Adler's Individual Psychology
2.2K
Alfred Adler, a prominent figure in psychology, founded the school of individual psychology. In contrast to Freud's emphasis on sexual or aggressive motives, Adler suggested that individuals are primarily motivated by their purposes and goals. He believed that people strive for perfection rather than pleasure. Adler argued that individuals could creatively act upon their genetic inheritance and environmental experiences to shape their own lives, emphasizing conscious motivation over...
2.2K
01:23Influence of Parents and Peers on Identity
439
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....
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....
439
01:28Conduct Disorder
454
Conduct disorder is a complex mental health diagnosis characterized by a repetitive and persistent pattern of behavior that violates societal norms, the rights of others, or age-appropriate rules. The diagnostic criteria for conduct disorder require the presence of at least three problematic behaviors within the past 12 months, with at least one occurring in the past six months. These behaviors are grouped into four categories: aggression toward people and animals; destruction of property;...
454