Investigation of genetically mediated child effects on maltreatment

Citation

Schulz-Heik, R. J.; Soo Hyun, R.; Silvern, L.; Lessem, J. M.; Haberstick, B. C.; Hopfer, C.; & Hewitt, J. K. (2009). Investigation of genetically mediated child effects on maltreatment. Behavior Genetics. vol. 39 (3) pp. 265-276 , PMCID: PMC2693353

Abstract

Theory and empirical evidence suggest that children’s genetically influenced characteristics help to shape the environments they experience, including the parenting they ‘receive’. The extent of these genetically-mediated child effects on childhood maltreatment is not well known. The present study estimates the magnitude of genetically mediated child effects on maltreatment in 3,297 twins and siblings who were part of a large nationally representative sample of adolescents (ADD health). Participants in early adulthood retrospectively reported their experiences of physical and sexual maltreatment and neglect. Results are consistent with small genetically-mediated child effects on physical maltreatment and neglect, and none on sexual maltreatment, and all three forms of maltreatment are influenced mainly by idiosyncratic individual circumstances.

URL

http://dx.doi.org/10.1007%2Fs10519-009-9261-4

Keyword(s)

Genetic

Reference Type

Journal Article

Journal Title

Behavior Genetics

Author(s)

Schulz-Heik, R. J.
Soo Hyun, R.
Silvern, L.
Lessem, J. M.
Haberstick, B. C.
Hopfer, C.
Hewitt, J. K.

Year Published

2009

Volume Number

39

Issue Number

3

Pages

265-276

DOI

10.1007/s10519-009-9261-4

PMCID

PMC2693353

Reference ID

1066