The biosocial underpinnings to adolescent victimization: Results from a longitudinal sample of twins

Citation

Beaver, K.; Boutwell, B. B.; Barnes, J. C.; & Cooper, J. A. (2009). The biosocial underpinnings to adolescent victimization: Results from a longitudinal sample of twins. Youth Violence and Juvenile Justice. vol. 7 (3) pp. 223-238

Abstract

Behavioral genetic research has consistently revealed that antisocial behaviors are due partially to genetic factors and partially to environmental factors. Even in light of these findings, researchers have failed to examine the genetic and environmental contributors to adolescent victimization. The current study addressed this gap in the literature by analyzing a sample of twin pairs drawn from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (Add Health). The results of the statistical models revealed that genetic factors explained about 40% to 45% of the variance in adolescent victimization, with the remaining variance attributable to the nonshared environment. Moreover, additional analyses revealed that 64% of the variance in repeat victimization was due to genetic factors. The implications that these findings have for victimization researchers are discussed.

URL

http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/1541204009333830

Reference Type

Journal Article

Journal Title

Youth Violence and Juvenile Justice

Author(s)

Beaver, K.
Boutwell, B. B.
Barnes, J. C.
Cooper, J. A.

Year Published

2009

Volume Number

7

Issue Number

3

Pages

223-238

ISSN/ISBN

1541-2040

DOI

10.1177/1541204009333830

Reference ID

941