Delinquent peer group formation: Evidence of a gene x environment correlation

Citation

Beaver, K. M.; Wright, John Paul; & DeLisi, Matt (2008). Delinquent peer group formation: Evidence of a gene x environment correlation. Journal of Genetic Psychology. vol. 169 (3) pp. 227-244

Abstract

Emerging evidence suggests that variants of specific genes may influence some youths to seek out or associate with antisocial peers. Using genotypic data (N = 1,816) from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (J. R. Udry, 1998, 2003), the authors tested this possibility. They found that the 10R allele of the dopamine transporter (DAT1) gene was associated with self-reported delinquent peer affiliation for male adolescents from high-risk environments (β range = .13-.14) despite controlling for delinquent involvement, self-control, and drug and alcohol use. The authors discuss the importance of using a biosocial framework to examine issues related to adolescent development.

URL

http://dx.doi.org/10.3200/GNTP.169.3.227-244

Keyword(s)

Genetic Crime & delinquency

Reference Type

Journal Article

Journal Title

Journal of Genetic Psychology

Author(s)

Beaver, K. M.
Wright, John Paul
DeLisi, Matt

Year Published

2008

Volume Number

169

Issue Number

3

Pages

227-244

DOI

10.3200/GNTP.169.3.227-244

Reference ID

830