Gene-environment correlation and interaction in peer effects on adolescent alcohol and tobacco use

Citation

Harden, K.; P; Hill, J.; E; Turkheimer, E.; Emery, R.; & E (2008). Gene-environment correlation and interaction in peer effects on adolescent alcohol and tobacco use. Behavior Genetics. vol. 38 pp. 339-347

Abstract

Peer relationships are commonly thought to be critical for adolescent socialization, including the development of negative health behaviors such as alcohol and tobacco use. The interplay between genetic liability and peer influences on the development of adolescent alcohol and tobacco use was examined using a nationally-representative sample of adolescent sibling pairs and their best friends. Genetic factors, some of them related to an adolescent’s own substance use and some of them independent of use, were associated with increased exposure to best friends with heavy substance use—a gene-environment correlation. Moreover, adolescents who were genetically liable to substance use were more vulnerable to the adverse influences of their best friends—a gene-environment interaction.

URL

http://dx.doi.org/10.1007%2Fs10519-008-9202-7

Keyword(s)

Genetic Alcohol

Reference Type

Journal Article

Journal Title

Behavior Genetics

Author(s)

Harden, K.
P
Hill, J.
E
Turkheimer, E.
Emery, R.
E

Year Published

2008

Volume Number

38

Pages

339-347

DOI

10.1007/s10519-008-9202-7

Reference ID

8734