Genetic and environmental influences on the developmental trajectory of callous-unemotional traits from childhood to adolescence.

ABSTRACT:

Background

This study examined the genetic and environmental influences underlying baseline level and developmental course of callous-unemotional (CU) traits across childhood and adolescence.

Methods

The data on 8,958 twin pairs (3,108 MZ twin pairs and 5,850 DZ twin pairs) from the Twins Early Development Study were analysed. CU traits were assessed at ages 7, 9, 12 and 16 by mothers and analysed using a biometric latent growth model.

Results

Individual differences in the baseline level of CU traits were highly heritable (76.5%), while the heritability of the developmental course of CU traits was moderate (43.6%). The genetic influences on baseline level and developmental course of CU traits were mostly nonoverlapping. Nonshared environment made a modest contribution

SUBMITTER: Takahashi Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8432158 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature