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Genetic and Environmental Influences on the Relationship Between Aggression and Hyperactivity-impulsivity as Rated by Teachers and Parents

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  21 February 2012

Elina Vierikko*
Affiliation:
Department of Psychology, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finlandvierikko@psyka.jyu.fi
Lea Pulkkinen
Affiliation:
Department of Psychology, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland
Jaakko Kaprio
Affiliation:
Department of Public Health, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland; Department of Mental Health and Alcohol Research, National Public Health Institute, Helsinki, Finland
Richard J. Rose
Affiliation:
Department of Psychology, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, USA
*
*Address for correspondence: Elina Vierikko, University of Jyväskylä, Department of Psychology, PO Box 35 (Agora), FIN-40351 University of Jyväskylä, Finland.

Abstract

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This study examined genetic and environmental contributions to the covariance between aggression and hyperactivity-impulsivity as rated by twins' teachers and parents. Sex-differences in these genetic and environmental contributions and rater bias/sibling interaction effects were of interest as well. Part of an ongoing nation-wide twin-family study of behavioral development and health habits, the sample consisted of 1636 Finnish twin pairs ascertained from five consecutive and complete twin birth cohorts. Data were collected at ages 11–12, using teacher and parental rating forms of the Multidimensional Peer Nomination Inventory. Bivariate analyses were performed using structural equation modeling allowing sex-limitation effects. Results show that, in addition to significant genetic and environmental influences specific to each behavior, aggression and hyperactivity-impulsivity share common genetic and environmental etiology. Results provide evidence that both genetic and environmental factors are important in creating the observed correlation between aggression and hyper-activity-impulsivity.

Type
Articles
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2004