Family of origin, race/ethnicity, and socioeconomic attainment: Genotype and intraindividual processes

Citation

Wickrama, K. A. S. & O'Neal, Catherine Walker (2013). Family of origin, race/ethnicity, and socioeconomic attainment: Genotype and intraindividual processes. Journal of Marriage and Family. vol. 75 (1) pp. 757-90

Abstract

Previous research has mainly focused on the persistent direct influence of early life contexts on young adult socioeconomic attainment, and less is known about intraindividual processes that are responsible for this persistent influence. The present study, using genetically informed longitudinal, prospective data from a nationally representative sample (Add Health), attempted to fill this gap by adding three important findings to the literature: (a) Adolescents experiencing adverse family contexts during childhood and early adolescence showed lower socioeconomic attainment in early adulthood than adolescents from less adverse family contexts, (b) adolescent academic and cognitive competencies and psychological vulnerabilities partially mediated these persistent influences, and (c) individual cumulative genetic characteristics additively and interactively influenced adolescent competencies and vulnerabilities as well as young adult socioeconomic attainment. The results demonstrate that although substantial continuity exists in early adversities, individual genetic variability is a factor that influences individuals' response to early socioeconomic conditions.

URL

http://dx.doi.org/10.1111%2Fj.1741-3737.2012.01027.x

Keyword(s)

Genetic

Reference Type

Journal Article

Journal Title

Journal of Marriage and Family

Author(s)

Wickrama, K. A. S.
O'Neal, Catherine Walker

Year Published

2013

Volume Number

75

Issue Number

1

Pages

757-90

DOI

10.1111/j.1741-3737.2012.01027.x

Reference ID

1742