Genetic and environmental influences on adolescent attachment.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Twin studies consistently point to limited genetic influence on attachment security in the infancy period, but no study has examined whether this remains the case in later development. This study presents the findings from a twin study examining the relative importance of genetic and environmental influences on attachment in adolescence.

Methods

The sample included 551 twin pairs aged 15 years recruited from the larger Twins Early Development Study (TEDS). Attachment was assessed using a semistructured interview, the Child Attachment Interview.

Results

We found robust associations between MZ twins' scores for Coherence and their overall security of attachment (r = .42, p < .001; kappa = .26, p < .001), but substantially lower associations for DZ twins (r = 

SUBMITTER: Fearon P 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4366883 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature