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Fairchild G, Sully K, Passamonti L, Staginnus M, Darekar A, Sonuga-Barke EJS, Toschi N. Neuroanatomical markers of familial risk in adolescents with conduct disorder and their unaffected relatives. Psychol Med 2023; 53:1721-1731. [PMID: 34607618 DOI: 10.1017/s0033291721003202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous studies have reported brain structure abnormalities in conduct disorder (CD), but it is unclear whether these neuroanatomical alterations mediate the effects of familial (genetic and environmental) risk for CD. We investigated brain structure in adolescents with CD and their unaffected relatives (URs) to identify neuroanatomical markers of familial risk for CD. METHODS Forty-one adolescents with CD, 24 URs of CD probands, and 38 healthy controls (aged 12-18), underwent structural magnetic resonance imaging. We performed surface-based morphometry analyses, testing for group differences in cortical volume, thickness, surface area, and folding. We also assessed the volume of key subcortical structures. RESULTS The CD and UR groups both displayed structural alterations (lower surface area and folding) in left inferior parietal cortex compared with controls. In contrast, CD participants showed lower insula and pars opercularis volume than controls, and lower surface area and folding in these regions than controls and URs. The URs showed greater folding in rostral anterior cingulate and inferior temporal cortex than controls and greater medial orbitofrontal folding than CD participants. The surface area and volume differences were not significant when controlling for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder comorbidity. There were no group differences in subcortical volumes. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that alterations in inferior parietal cortical structure partly mediate the effects of familial risk for CD. These structural changes merit investigation as candidate endophenotypes for CD. Neuroanatomical changes in medial orbitofrontal and anterior cingulate cortex differentiated between URs and the other groups, potentially reflecting neural mechanisms of resilience to CD.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kate Sully
- School of Psychology, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Luca Passamonti
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Institute of Bioimaging and Molecular Physiology, National Research Council, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Angela Darekar
- Department of Medical Physics, University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton, UK
| | | | - Nicola Toschi
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy
- Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Boston, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA
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DelPriore DJ, Brener SA, Hill SE, Ellis BJ. Effects of Fathers on Adolescent Daughters' Frequency of Substance Use and Risky Sexual Behavior. JOURNAL OF RESEARCH ON ADOLESCENCE : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR RESEARCH ON ADOLESCENCE 2021; 31:153-169. [PMID: 33091203 DOI: 10.1111/jora.12589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
This research: (1) implements a genetically informed design to examine the effects of fathers' presence-absence and quality of behavior during childhood/adolescence on daughters' frequency of substance use during adolescence; and (2) tests substance use frequency as mediating the relation between paternal behavior and daughters' sexual risk taking. Participants were 223 sister dyads from divorced/separated biological families. Sisters' developmental exposure to socially deviant paternal behavior predicted their frequency of tobacco, alcohol, and cannabis (TAC) use. Older sisters who co-resided with fathers who were more (vs. less) socially deviant reported more frequent TAC use during adolescence. More frequent TAC use predicted more risky sexual behavior for these daughters. No effects were found for younger sisters, who spent less time living with their fathers.
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LeMoine KA, Romirowsky AM, Woods KE, Chronis-Tuscano A. Paternal Antisocial Behavior (But Not Paternal ADHD) Is Associated With Negative Parenting and Child Conduct Problems. J Atten Disord 2018; 22:1187-1199. [PMID: 26399711 DOI: 10.1177/1087054715604361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Parental psychopathology and parenting quality robustly predict negative outcomes among children with ADHD. Little research has investigated associations between paternal ADHD symptoms and parenting, though there is clear evidence linking maternal ADHD symptoms with both suboptimal parenting and child conduct problems, and considerable research supporting fathers' significant contributions to their children's development. METHOD This cross-sectional study examined psychopathology and parenting in a sample of fathers ( N = 102) and their 5- to 12-year-old children with previously diagnosed ADHD. RESULTS Results suggested that paternal antisocial personality disorder (ASPD) symptoms (rather than ADHD symptoms) were robustly associated with child conduct problems, with an indirect effect through paternal negative parenting. CONCLUSION This study suggests that negative parenting may be a potential mechanism by which paternal ASPD is associated with child conduct problems, and demonstrates the importance of considering co-occurring psychopathology in research examining adult ADHD, parenting, and child outcomes.
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Mediators and Moderators of the Relation between Parental ADHD Symptomatology and the Early Development of Child ADHD and ODD Symptoms. JOURNAL OF ABNORMAL CHILD PSYCHOLOGY 2017; 45:443-456. [PMID: 27752934 DOI: 10.1007/s10802-016-0213-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
The present study examined mediators and moderators of the relation between parental ADHD symptomatology and the development of child attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) symptoms across the preschool years. Participants included 258 (138 boys) 3-year-old children (M = 44.13 months, SD = 3.39) with and without behavior problems and their parents who took part in a 3-year longitudinal study. Maternal ADHD symptoms predicted later ADHD symptoms in children, controlling for early child symptomatology. Both family history of ADHD and paternal comorbid psychopathology predicted later child ADHD and ODD symptoms, but they did not account for the association between maternal and child ADHD symptoms. Although paternal ADHD symptoms were associated with age 3 child ADHD symptoms, they did not significantly predict later child ADHD symptoms controlling for early symptomatology. Family adversity moderated the relation between maternal ADHD and child ADHD symptoms, such that the relation between maternal and child ADHD symptoms was stronger for families with less adversity. Maternal overreactive parenting mediated the relation between maternal ADHD symptoms and later child ADHD and ODD symptoms. Our findings suggest that targeting paternal comorbid psychopathology and maternal parenting holds promise for attenuating the effects of parental ADHD on children's ADHD.
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Cerniglia L, Muratori P, Milone A, Paciello M, Ruglioni L, Cimino S, Levantini V, Tambelli R. Paternal psychopathological risk and psychological functioning in children with eating disorders and Disruptive Behavior Disorder. Psychiatry Res 2017; 254:60-66. [PMID: 28456023 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2017.04.046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2017] [Revised: 04/12/2017] [Accepted: 04/22/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Several studies demonstrated that maternal psychopathological risk is related to child's maladjustment, but until recently research has relatively neglected fathers. Disruptive Behavior Disorder (DBD) and Eating disorders (ED) have a large prevalence during childhood but a few studies have focused on their association with paternal psychopathological risk. One-hundred and thirty-nine children and their fathers were recruited from pediatric hospitals and outpatient clinics and paired with a healthy control group (CG). Fathers were administered the SCL-90/R and the CBCL 6-18 to assess: 1) psychopathological risk of fathers of children with DBD, ED and CG; 2) significant differences between ED and DBD fathers' psychopathological profiles; and 3) associations between specific fathers' psychopathological symptoms and children's emotional-behavioral problems. Fathers of children with ED showed a higher psychopathological risk than fathers of DBD offspring. Children with DBD showed higher externalizing symptoms. Paternal hostility was associated with internalizing problems in children with DBD. Paternal hostility showed a non-significant but clinically interesting association with internalizing problems in DBD children; interpersonal sensitivity was associated with internalizing problems in ED children. This study can constitute a contribution to a better understanding of the clinical characteristics of fathers of children with DBD and ED.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Cerniglia
- International Telematic University Uninettuno, Psychology Faculty, Department of Psychology, Corso Vittorio Emanuele II, 39 - 00100, Rome, Italy.
| | - Pietro Muratori
- IRCCS Fondazione Stella Maris, Scientific Institute of Child Neurology and Psychiatry, Viale del Tirreno, 331, Calambrone, Pisa, Italy.
| | - Annarita Milone
- IRCCS Fondazione Stella Maris, Scientific Institute of Child Neurology and Psychiatry, Viale del Tirreno, 331, Calambrone, Pisa, Italy.
| | - Marinella Paciello
- International Telematic University Uninettuno, Psychology Faculty, Department of Psychology, Corso Vittorio Emanuele II, 39 - 00100, Rome, Italy.
| | - Laura Ruglioni
- IRCCS Fondazione Stella Maris, Scientific Institute of Child Neurology and Psychiatry, Viale del Tirreno, 331, Calambrone, Pisa, Italy.
| | - Silvia Cimino
- Sapienza, University of Rome, Psychology and Medicine Faculty, Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, Via dei Marsi, 78 - 00186, Rome, Italy.
| | - Valentina Levantini
- IRCCS Fondazione Stella Maris, Scientific Institute of Child Neurology and Psychiatry, Viale del Tirreno, 331, Calambrone, Pisa, Italy.
| | - Renata Tambelli
- Sapienza, University of Rome, Psychology and Medicine Faculty, Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, Via dei Marsi, 78 - 00186, Rome, Italy.
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Jouriles EN, Rosenfield D, McDonald R, Vu NL, Rancher C, Mueller V. Children Exposed to Intimate Partner Violence: Conduct Problems, Interventions, and Partner Contact With the Child. JOURNAL OF CLINICAL CHILD AND ADOLESCENT PSYCHOLOGY 2016; 47:397-409. [PMID: 27359091 DOI: 10.1080/15374416.2016.1163706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Children's contact with their mother's violent partner is a potentially important variable for understanding conduct problems among children exposed to intimate partner violence (IPV). Within the context of a treatment study evaluating a parenting intervention (Project Support) for families exiting a domestic violence shelter, this study tested four hypotheses regarding children's postshelter contact with their mother's violent partner: (1) participation in Project Support decreases the frequency of children's contact with their mother's violent partner; (2) postshelter contact is positively associated with children's conduct problems and is associated more strongly for girls than boys; (3) frequency of contact mediates Project Support's effects on children's conduct problems; and (4) frequency of contact is positively associated with IPV and partner-child aggression, and these latter associations help explain effects of contact on children's conduct problems. Participants were 66 women (26 White) with a child (32 girls) between 4 and 9 years. Families were assessed every 4 months for 20 months after departure from a domestic violence shelter. Project Support reduced the extent of partner-child contact. In addition, within-subject changes in contact over time were associated with girls', but not boys', conduct problems, and it partially mediated effects of Project Support on girls' conduct problems. Higher average levels of contact over time were also positively associated with further incidents of IPV and partner-child aggression, and partner-child aggression helped explain effects of contact on children's conduct problems. Children's postshelter contact with the mother's violent partner relates positively to several negative family outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Renee McDonald
- a Department of Psychology , Southern Methodist University
| | - Nicole L Vu
- a Department of Psychology , Southern Methodist University
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Sully K, Sonuga-Barke EJS, Fairchild G. The familial basis of facial emotion recognition deficits in adolescents with conduct disorder and their unaffected relatives. Psychol Med 2015; 45:1965-1975. [PMID: 25607818 DOI: 10.1017/s0033291714003080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is accumulating evidence of impairments in facial emotion recognition in adolescents with conduct disorder (CD). However, the majority of studies in this area have only been able to demonstrate an association, rather than a causal link, between emotion recognition deficits and CD. To move closer towards understanding the causal pathways linking emotion recognition problems with CD, we studied emotion recognition in the unaffected first-degree relatives of CD probands, as well as those with a diagnosis of CD. METHOD Using a family-based design, we investigated facial emotion recognition in probands with CD (n = 43), their unaffected relatives (n = 21), and healthy controls (n = 38). We used the Emotion Hexagon task, an alternative forced-choice task using morphed facial expressions depicting the six primary emotions, to assess facial emotion recognition accuracy. RESULTS Relative to controls, the CD group showed impaired recognition of anger, fear, happiness, sadness and surprise (all p < 0.005). Similar to probands with CD, unaffected relatives showed deficits in anger and happiness recognition relative to controls (all p < 0.008), with a trend toward a deficit in fear recognition. There were no significant differences in performance between the CD probands and the unaffected relatives following correction for multiple comparisons. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that facial emotion recognition deficits are present in adolescents who are at increased familial risk for developing antisocial behaviour, as well as those who have already developed CD. Consequently, impaired emotion recognition appears to be a viable familial risk marker or candidate endophenotype for CD.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Sully
- Academic Unit of Psychology,University of Southampton,Southampton,UK
| | | | - G Fairchild
- Academic Unit of Psychology,University of Southampton,Southampton,UK
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South SC, Jarnecke AM. Genetic and Environmental Influences on Adult Mental Health: Evidence for Gene-Environment Interplay as a Function of Maternal and Paternal Discipline and Affection. Behav Genet 2015; 45:438-50. [PMID: 25842345 DOI: 10.1007/s10519-015-9716-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2014] [Accepted: 03/12/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Researchers have long theorized that genetic influence on mental health may differ as a function of environmental risk factors. One likely moderator of genetic and environmental influences on psychopathological symptoms is parenting behavior, as phenotypic research shows that negative aspects of parent-child relationships are associated with greater likelihood of mental illness in adulthood. The current study examined whether levels of reported parental discipline and affection experienced in childhood act as a trigger, or buffer, for adult mental health problems. Results from a nationwide twin sample suggest level of father's discipline and affection, as reported by now-adult twins, moderated genetic and environmental influences on internalizing symptoms in adulthood, such that heritability was greatest at the highest levels of discipline and affection. Father's affection also moderated the etiological influences on alcohol use problems, with greater heritability at the lowest levels of affection. No moderating effect was found for mothers. Findings suggest relationships with fathers in childhood can have long-lasting effects on the etiological influences on adult mental health outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan C South
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Purdue University, 703 Third Street, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA,
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The Effects of Parental Divorce on the Intergenerational Transmission of Crime. SOCIETIES 2015. [DOI: 10.3390/soc5010089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Gutierrez-Galve L, Stein A, Hanington L, Heron J, Ramchandani P. Paternal depression in the postnatal period and child development: mediators and moderators. Pediatrics 2015; 135:e339-47. [PMID: 25560437 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2014-2411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To explore potential mediating and moderating factors that influence the association between paternal depression in the postnatal period and subsequent child behavioral and emotional problems. METHODS A population-based cohort (N = 13,822) from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC) was recruited during pregnancy. Paternal and maternal depressive symptoms were assessed with the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale at 8 weeks after the birth of the child. Child outcomes were assessed at 3.5 years by using the Rutter revised preschool scales and at 7 years by using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire. Path analysis was used to assess hypothesized mediators (ie, depression in the other parent, couple conflict, and paternal noninvolvement) of the associations between both paternal and maternal depression and child outcomes. We also tested for hypothesized moderators (ie, paternal education and antisocial traits). RESULTS Family factors (maternal depression and couple conflict) mediated two-thirds of the overall association between paternal depression and child outcomes at 3.5 years. Similar findings were seen when children were 7 years old. In contrast, family factors mediated less than one-quarter of the association between maternal depression and child outcomes. There was no evidence of moderating effects of either parental education or antisocial traits. CONCLUSIONS The majority of the association between depression in fathers postnatally and subsequent child behavior is explained by the mediating role of family environment, whereas the association between depression in mothers and child outcomes appears to be better explained by other factors, perhaps including direct mother-infant interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alan Stein
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom; and
| | - Lucy Hanington
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom; and
| | - Jon Heron
- School of Social and Community Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Paul Ramchandani
- The Centre for Mental Health, Imperial College, London, United Kingdom
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Abstract
Our aim was to examine the rates and predictors of father attendance at nurse home visits in replication sites of the Nurse-Family Partnership (NFP). Early childhood programs can facilitate father involvement in the lives of their children, but program improvements require an understanding of factors that predict father involvement. The sample consisted of 29,109 low-income, first-time mothers who received services from 694 nurses from 80 sites. We conducted mixed-model multiple regression analyses to identify population, implementation, site, and nurse influences on father attendance. Predictors of father attendance included a count of maternal visits (B = 0.12, SE = 0.01, F = 3101.77), frequent contact between parents (B = 0.61, SE = 0.02, F = 708.02), cohabitation (B = 1.41, SE = 0.07, F = 631.51), White maternal race (B = 0.77, SE = 0.06, F = 190.12), and marriage (B = 0.42, SE = 0.08, F = 30.08). Random effects for sites and nurses predicted father-visit participation (2.7 & 6.7% of the variance, respectively), even after controlling for population sociodemographic characteristics. These findings suggest that factors operating at the levels of sites and nurses influence father attendance at home visits, even after controlling for differences in populations served. Further inquiry about these influences on father visit attendance is likely to inform program-improvement efforts.
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Febres J, Shorey RC, Zucosky HC, Brasfield H, Vitulano M, Elmquist J, Ninnemann A, Labrecque L, Stuart GL. THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN MALE-PERPETRATED INTERPARENTAL AGGRESSION, PATERNAL CHARACTERISTICS, AND CHILD PSYCHOSOCIAL FUNCTIONING. JOURNAL OF CHILD AND FAMILY STUDIES 2014; 23:907-916. [PMID: 25132790 PMCID: PMC4130387 DOI: 10.1007/s10826-013-9748-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
It is well established that children in homes where interparental violence is present are at increased risk for psychosocial (i.e., internalizing, externalizing, and attention) difficulties. However, previous studies have provided a limited view on the variety of factors that commonly co-occur in these environments (e.g., other characteristics of the parents and family) and how they may collectively impact children. Knowing this information could have implications for parental interventions aimed at preventing the continuation or initiation of psychosocial problems in children. Thus, the present study simultaneously examined the association between father-perpetrated interparental aggression, father characteristics, and child psychosocial functioning in a sample of 145 men arrested for domestic violence. Results showed that of all the variables examined, paternal antisocial personality traits and interpersonal hostility were uniquely associated with overall child psychosocial impairment, externalizing problems, and attention problems. Implications for intervention programs are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeniimarie Febres
- Department of Psychology, University of Tennessee, 204 Austin Peay Building, Knoxville, TN 37996
| | - Ryan C. Shorey
- Department of Psychology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN
| | | | - Hope Brasfield
- Department of Psychology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN
| | - Michael Vitulano
- Department of Psychology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN
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Rijlaarsdam J, Stevens GWJM, Jansen PW, Ringoot AP, Jaddoe VWV, Hofman A, Ayer L, Verhulst FC, Hudziak JJ, Tiemeier H. Maternal Childhood Maltreatment and Offspring Emotional and Behavioral Problems: Maternal and Paternal Mechanisms of Risk Transmission. CHILD MALTREATMENT 2014; 19:67-78. [PMID: 24642695 DOI: 10.1177/1077559514527639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
This study examined hostility and harsh discipline of both mothers and fathers as potential mechanisms explaining the association between a maternal maltreatment history and her offspring's internalizing and externalizing problems. Prospective data from fetal life to age 6 were collected from a total of 4,438 families participating in the Generation R Study. Maternal maltreatment was assessed during pregnancy using a self-administered questionnaire. Mothers and fathers each reported on their psychological distress and harsh discipline when the child was 3 years. Children's internalizing and externalizing problems were assessed by parental reports and child interview at age 6. Findings from structural equation modeling showed that the association between a maternal maltreatment history and her offspring's externalizing problems was explained by maternal hostility and harsh discipline and, at least partially, also by paternal hostility and harsh discipline. Child interview data provided support for both these indirect paths, with associations largely similar to those observed for parent reports.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jolien Rijlaarsdam
- The Generation R Study Group, Erasmus MC-University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Erasmus MC-University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Gonneke W J M Stevens
- Interdisciplinary Social Sciences, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Pauline W Jansen
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Erasmus MC-University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Ank P Ringoot
- The Generation R Study Group, Erasmus MC-University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Erasmus MC-University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Vincent W V Jaddoe
- The Generation R Study Group, Erasmus MC-University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus MC-University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands Department of Paediatrics, Erasmus MC-University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Albert Hofman
- Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus MC-University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Lynsay Ayer
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Erasmus MC-University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands Departments of Psychiatry, Medicine and Pediatrics, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont, USA
| | - Frank C Verhulst
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Erasmus MC-University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - James J Hudziak
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Erasmus MC-University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands Departments of Psychiatry, Medicine and Pediatrics, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont, USA Department of Biological Psychology, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Henning Tiemeier
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Erasmus MC-University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus MC-University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands Department of Psychiatry, Erasmus MC-University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
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Bornovalova MA, Cummings JR, Hunt E, Blazei R, Malone S, Iacono WG. Understanding the relative contributions of direct environmental effects and passive genotype-environment correlations in the association between familial risk factors and child disruptive behavior disorders. Psychol Med 2014; 44:831-844. [PMID: 23714724 PMCID: PMC3883935 DOI: 10.1017/s0033291713001086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous work reports an association between familial risk factors stemming from parental characteristics and offspring disruptive behavior disorders (DBDs). This association may reflect (a) the direct effects of familial environment and (b) a passive gene-environment correlation (r(GE)), wherein the parents provide both the genes and the environment. The current study examined the contributions of direct environmental influences and passive r(GE) by comparing the effects of familial risk factors on child DBDs in genetically related (biological) and non-related (adoptive) families. METHOD Participants were 402 adoptive and 204 biological families. Familial environment was defined as maternal and paternal maladaptive parenting and antisociality, marital conflict and divorce; offspring DBDs included attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), conduct disorder (CD) and oppositional defiant disorder (ODD). Mixed-level regressions estimated the main effects of familial environment, adoption status and the familial environment by adoption status interaction term, which tested for the presence of passive r(GE). RESULTS There was a main effect of maternal and paternal maladaptive parenting and marital discord on child DBDs, indicating a direct environmental effect. There was no direct environmental effect of maternal or paternal antisociality, but maternal and paternal antisociality had stronger associations with child DBDs in biological families than adoptive families, indicating the presence of a passive r(GE). CONCLUSIONS Many familial risk factors affected children equally across genetically related and non-related families, providing evidence for direct environmental effects. The relationship of parental antisociality and offspring DBDs was best explained by a passive r(GE), where a general vulnerability toward externalizing psychopathology is passed down by the parents to the children.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Ryan Blazei
- Department of Psychology, University of Minnesota
| | - Steve Malone
- Department of Psychology, University of Minnesota
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Perlman G, Markin A, Iacono WG. P300 amplitude reduction is associated with early-onset and late-onset pathological substance use in a prospectively studied cohort of 14-year-old adolescents. Psychophysiology 2013; 50:974-82. [PMID: 23905780 DOI: 10.1111/psyp.12081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2013] [Accepted: 05/20/2013] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
P3 amplitude reduction (P3AR) is associated with risk for adolescent-onset pathological substance use (PSU). In this longitudinal study, data from over 1,100 adolescent twins were used to examine P3AR in relation to early adolescent onset PSU (i.e., by age 14), late adolescent onset PSU (i.e., ages 14-18), misuse of different classes of substances (PSU-nicotine, PSU-alcohol, PSU-illicit), degree of PSU comorbidity, and gender differences. P3 amplitude was recorded at age 14 from two midline electrodes during a visual oddball paradigm. PSU was defined as meeting criteria for any symptom of a substance use disorder assessed using semistructured clinical interviews. P3AR was associated with degree of drug class comorbidity, early adolescent onset PSU for all three substance classes, and late adolescent onset PSU for alcohol and illicit PSU. Gender differences in P3AR were not statistically significant. These findings provide further evidence that P3AR indexes a nonspecific diathesis for adolescent-onset PSU.
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Affiliation(s)
- Greg Perlman
- Department of Psychology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Abraham Markin
- Medical School, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - William G Iacono
- Department of Psychology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
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Abstract
This article describes school's obligations related to bullying behavior, the assessment of bullying students and their victims, the evaluation of claimed damages due to bullying, and potential interventions for both individuals and school systems to reduce the frequency of bullying behavior. This article assists evaluators when assessing youth who are involved in bullying behavior, either as victims or perpetrators. Key areas highlighted include an overview of bullying behaviors, legal issues related to a school's responsibility in preventing or curtailing bullying behaviors, important components of a bullying assessment, and proposed interventions to minimize bullying.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bradley W Freeman
- Child Adolescent Division, Department of Psychiatry, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, 1601 23rd Avenue South, Suite 3023, Nashville, TN 37212, USA.
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Jaffee SR, Strait LB, Odgers CL. From correlates to causes: can quasi-experimental studies and statistical innovations bring us closer to identifying the causes of antisocial behavior? Psychol Bull 2012; 138:272-95. [PMID: 22023141 PMCID: PMC3268012 DOI: 10.1037/a0026020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Longitudinal, epidemiological studies have identified robust risk factors for youth antisocial behavior, including harsh and coercive discipline, maltreatment, smoking during pregnancy, divorce, teen parenthood, peer deviance, parental psychopathology, and social disadvantage. Nevertheless, because this literature is largely based on observational studies, it remains unclear whether these risk factors have truly causal effects. Identifying causal risk factors for antisocial behavior would be informative for intervention efforts and for studies that test whether individuals are differentially susceptible to risk exposures. In this article, we identify the challenges to causal inference posed by observational studies and describe quasi-experimental methods and statistical innovations that may move researchers beyond discussions of risk factors to allow for stronger causal inference. We then review studies that used these methods, and we evaluate whether robust risk factors identified from observational studies are likely to play a causal role in the emergence and development of youth antisocial behavior. There is evidence of causal effects for most of the risk factors we review. However, these effects are typically smaller than those reported in observational studies, suggesting that familial confounding, social selection, and misidentification might also explain some of the association between risk exposures and antisocial behavior. For some risk factors (e.g., smoking during pregnancy, parent alcohol problems), the evidence is weak that they have environmentally mediated effects on youth antisocial behavior. We discuss the implications of these findings for intervention efforts to reduce antisocial behavior and for basic research on the etiology and course of antisocial behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara R Jaffee
- MRC Social, Genetic, and Developmental Psychiatry Centre, King's College London, London, UK.
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18
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van der Aa N, Boomsma DI, Rebollo-Mesa I, Hudziak JJ, Bartels M. Moderation of Genetic Factors by Parental Divorce in Adolescents' Evaluations of Family Functioning and Subjective Wellbeing. Twin Res Hum Genet 2012; 13:143-62. [DOI: 10.1375/twin.13.2.143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
AbstractAdolescents' evaluations of family functioning may have a significant impact on their subjective well-being and adjustment. The aim of the study was to investigate the degree to which genetic and environmental influences affect variation in evaluations of general family functioning, family conflict, and quality of life and the overlap between them. We assessed whether genetic and environmental influences are moderated by parental divorce by analyzing self-report data from 6,773 adolescent twins and their non-twin siblings. Genetic, shared, and nonshared environmental influences accounted for variation in general family functioning and family conflict, with genetic influences being relatively more important in girls than boys in general family functioning. Genetic and nonshared environmental influences accounted for variation in quality of life, with genetic influences being relatively more important in girls. Evidence was found for interaction between genetic factors and parental divorce: genetic influence on general family functioning was larger in participants from divorced families. The overlap between general family functioning and quality of life, and family conflict and quality of life was accounted for the largest part by genetic effects, with nonshared environmental effects accounting for the remaining part. By examining the data from monozygotic twins, we found evidence for interaction between genotype and nonshared, non-measured, environmental influences on evaluations of general family functioning, family conflict, and quality of life.
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Impact of fathers on risky sexual behavior in daughters: A genetically and environmentally controlled sibling study. Dev Psychopathol 2012; 24:317-32. [DOI: 10.1017/s095457941100085x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 125] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
AbstractGirls receiving lower quality paternal investment tend to engage in more risky sexual behavior (RSB) than peers. Whereas paternal investment theory posits that this effect is causal, it could arise from environmental or genetic confounds. To distinguish between these competing explanations, the current authors employed a genetically and environmentally controlled sibling design (N = 101 sister pairs; ages 18–36), which retrospectively examined the effects of differential sibling exposure to family disruption/father absence and quality of fathering. Consistent with a causal explanation, differences between older and younger sisters in the effects of quality of fathering on RSB were greatest in biologically disrupted families when there was a large age gap between the sisters (thus maximizing differential exposure to fathers), with greater exposure within families to higher quality fathering serving as a protective factor against RSB. Further, variation around the lower end of fathering quality appeared to have the most influence on RSB. In contrast, differential sibling exposure to family disruption/father absence (irrespective of quality of fathering) was not associated with RSB. The differential sibling-exposure design affords a new quasi-experimental method for evaluating the causal effects of fathers within families.
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Gervan S, Granic I, Solomon T, Blokland K, Ferguson B. Paternal involvement in Multisystemic Therapy: effects on adolescent outcomes and maternal depression. J Adolesc 2011; 35:743-51. [PMID: 22104757 DOI: 10.1016/j.adolescence.2011.10.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2009] [Revised: 10/06/2011] [Accepted: 10/21/2011] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The association between paternal involvement in therapy, adolescent outcomes and maternal depression was examined within the context of Multisystemic Therapy (MST), an empirically supported, family- and community-based treatment for antisocial adolescents. Ninety-nine families were recruited from five mental health agencies providing MST. We compared families with paternal involvement in therapy (PIT) to families with no paternal involvement in therapy (NPIT) in pre-post change in adolescents' externalizing and internalizing behaviours and also in maternal depression. There was a significant reduction in both groups in externalizing and internalizing behaviours. However, the magnitude of improvement was significantly greater for the PIT families. Both groups saw a significant reduction in maternal depression but no significant group differences were found. Results suggest that if possible, paternal figures should be encouraged to actively participate in therapy, as adolescents outcomes are enhanced when mothers and paternal figures participate in MST together.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shannon Gervan
- Community Health Systems Resource Group, Hospital for Sick Children, 555 University Ave, Toronto, ON M5G 1X8, Canada
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21
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Unpacking links between fathers' antisocial behaviors and children's behavior problems: direct, indirect, and interactive effects. JOURNAL OF ABNORMAL CHILD PSYCHOLOGY 2011; 39:791-804. [PMID: 21360188 DOI: 10.1007/s10802-011-9496-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Building upon previous evidence for the intergenerational transmission of antisocial behaviors, this research assessed and compared three models seeking to explain links between fathers' antisocial behaviors and children's behavior problems. A representative sample of children from low-income families (N=261) was followed from age 3 through age 9. Lagged OLS regression models assessed both short-term (1½ years) and longer-term (5½ years) prospective links between fathers' antisocial behaviors and children's behavior problems. Results supported a direct effects model: fathers' antisocial behaviors predicted growth in children's externalizing and internalizing behavior problems, with links stronger among resident-father families. Limited evidence of indirect effects emerged, with links between fathers' antisocial behaviors and children's behavior problems only slightly attenuated controlling for related risk factors and for parenting quality, showing limited evidence of mediation. A new interactive model was proposed and supported, with high levels of harsh discipline exacerbating negative links between fathers' antisocial behaviors and children's internalizing problems. Results suggest caution in policies and programs which seek to universally increase marriage or father involvement without attention to fathers' behaviors.
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Huibregtse BM, Bornovalova MA, Hicks BM, McGue M, Iacono W. Testing the role of adolescent sexual initiation in later-life sexual risk behavior: a longitudinal twin design. Psychol Sci 2011; 22:924-33. [PMID: 21642552 DOI: 10.1177/0956797611410982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The consistent association between adolescent sexual initiation (ASI) and risky adult sexual behavior (RASB) has generally been assumed to indicate that ASI has a causal effect on RASB; consequently, it is assumed that delaying ASI will reduce RASB. Yet the ASI-RASB association might be better accounted for by some third variable. We evaluated the causal role of ASI (initiation of oral, anal, or vaginal sex at or before age 16) in influencing RASB in a longitudinal sample of 2,173 twins (followed from ages 11 to 24 or from ages 17 to 29) using two methods: the discordant-twin design and the propensity-score design. The former controlled for unmeasured genetic and shared environmental factors, and the latter controlled for measured nonshared environmental factors. We replicated the link between ASI and RASB reported in previous research, but results from the discordant-twin and propensity-score analyses suggested that this association is better explained by common genetic or environmental risk factors than as a causal effect. These findings suggest that preventing ASI is unlikely to reduce RASB.
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Abstract
BACKGROUND For complex multifactorial diseases it seems likely that co-exposure to two risk factors will show a greater than additive relationship on disease risk. AIMS To test whether greater than additive relationships occur between risk factors for psychosis. METHOD A cohort study of 50 053 Swedish conscripts. Data on IQ, cannabis use, psychiatric diagnoses, disturbed behaviour and social relations assessed at age 18 were linked to admissions with any non-affective psychoses over a 27-year follow-up period. Statistical interactions between risk factors were examined under both additive and multiplicative models. RESULTS There was some evidence of interaction for eight of the ten combinations of risk factors under additive models, but for only one combination under multiplicative models. CONCLUSIONS Multiplicative models describe the joint effect of risk factors more adequately than additive ones do. However, the implications of finding interactions as observed here, or for most interactions reported to date, remain very limited.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stanley Zammit
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Cardiff University, UK.
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Cheng H, Huang Y, Liu B, Liu Z. Familial aggregation of personality disorder: epidemiological evidence from high school students 18 years and older in Beijing, China. Compr Psychiatry 2010; 51:524-30. [PMID: 20728011 DOI: 10.1016/j.comppsych.2009.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2009] [Revised: 11/08/2009] [Accepted: 11/18/2009] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There has been evidence from Western countries of the familial aggregation of personality disorder (PD) in clinical populations. Nonetheless, it is not clear if the results apply to nonclinical population or non-Western countries. The aim of this study is to provide evidence about the familial aggregation of PD using an epidemiological sample of high school students and their parents in Beijing, China. METHOD A sample of high school students (at least 18 years old) and their parents was drawn by stratified cluster sampling. Personality disorder in students was assessed via a two-stage approach, Personality Diagnostic Questionnaire (PDQ) as a screening tool and International Personality Disorder Examination as the diagnostic tool. Parents completed the PDQ. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to address the familial aggregation of PD. RESULTS Students' PDQ scores were correlated with parents' PDQ scores. Parents of PD students scored higher in PDQ and were more likely to be PD cases than controls' parents (adjusted odds ratio, 6.4-18.8). LIMITATIONS Student controls and parents are only assessed by PDQ-4. CONCLUSION Obvious familial aggregation of PD was observed in this study. Psychiatrists may consider asking about family history when diagnosing PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Cheng
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing 100083, China.
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25
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26
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Campbell JM, Oei TP. A cognitive model for the intergenerational transference of alcohol use behavior. Addict Behav 2010; 35:73-83. [PMID: 19783372 DOI: 10.1016/j.addbeh.2009.09.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2007] [Revised: 08/17/2009] [Accepted: 09/03/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
A family history of alcoholism has shown to be one of the greatest consistent risk factors in the intergenerational transference of alcohol problems. Whereas a large number of studies have attempted to identify the processes responsible for this interfamilial transfer, the mechanisms remain unclear. Family, twin and adoption studies, and environmental theories have resulted in a number of unanswered questions regarding the extent that these factors influence the transmission of alcohol behavior. Recently, cognitive theories have suggested that the observation of parental drinking habits contributes to the child's beliefs and expectations of alcohol's effects. A hypothesised cognitive model will be proposed suggesting that the mechanism for the transference of particular drinking styles from parent to offspring may be further explained by the transference of alcohol cognitions, in particular, alcohol expectancies and drinking refusal self-efficacy. This review focuses on research of bio/psycho/social factors that perpetuate alcohol misuse across generations, and will delineate the proposed cognitive mechanisms for the interfamilial transference of alcohol problems and discuss the implications of the proposed model.
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Perlman G, Johnson W, Iacono WG. The heritability of P300 amplitude in 18-year-olds is robust to adolescent alcohol use. Psychophysiology 2009; 46:962-9. [PMID: 19558402 DOI: 10.1111/j.1469-8986.2009.00850.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
P3 amplitude reduction (P3AR) is associated with adolescent alcohol use (AAU) and highly heritable, suggesting that P3AR may index a genetic predisposition (e.g., an endophenotype) for AAU. However, because P3AR and AAU covary naturally in the population, these observations are also consistent with P3AR reflecting neurotoxic effects of AAU on the developing adolescent brain. In this report, we describe the use of recent advancements in biometric modeling to examine changes in the genetic and environmental contributions to variability in P3 amplitude related to cumulative AAU by late adolescence in a large community-based twin sample. We found that the genetic and environmental contributions to variability in P3 amplitude were unaffected by AAU. This suggests that P3AR indexes risk for alcoholism independent of any deleterious effect of AAU on adolescent brain development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Greg Perlman
- Department of Psychology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, USA.
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28
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Eiden RD, Colder C, Edwards EP, Leonard KE. A longitudinal study of social competence among children of alcoholic and nonalcoholic parents: role of parental psychopathology, parental warmth, and self-regulation. PSYCHOLOGY OF ADDICTIVE BEHAVIORS 2009; 23:36-46. [PMID: 19290688 PMCID: PMC2801410 DOI: 10.1037/a0014839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
This study tested a conceptual model predicting children's social competence in a sample of children with alcoholic and non-alcoholic parents. The model examined the role of parents' alcohol diagnoses, depression, and antisocial behavior at 12-18 months of child age in predicting parental warmth/sensitivity at 2 years of child age. Parental warmth/sensitivity at 2 years was hypothesized to predict children's self-regulation and externalizing behavior problems at 3 years. Parenting, self-regulation, and behavior problems were expected to predict social competence in kindergarten. Structural equations modeling was supportive of this model. Fathers' alcohol diagnosis was associated with lower warmth/sensitivity. Lower maternal warmth/sensitivity at 2 years was predictive of lower child self-regulation at 3 years. Parenting, self-regulation, and externalizing behavior problems were predictive of social competence in kindergarten, although associations varied by reporter (parents or teacher). There was a direct association between fathers' alcohol diagnosis and father reports of social competence, and between fathers' depression and teacher reports of social competence. The study elucidates developmental processes in predicting social competence and the role of fathers' alcoholism and associated risk factors in this process. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2009 APA, all rights reserved).
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Affiliation(s)
- Rina D Eiden
- Research Institute on Addictions, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, USA
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Intergenerational transmission of child problem behaviors: a longitudinal, population-based study. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2009; 48:138-45. [PMID: 19065109 DOI: 10.1097/chi.0b013e318191770d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE From a developmental perspective, it is important to know to what extent childhood problem behaviors are transmitted across generations. In a longitudinal community study, we compared child behavior of parents with the behavior of their offspring. Intergenerational transmission was investigated for a broad range of problem behaviors, including internalizing problems and externalizing behavior. Sex differences were investigated as well. METHOD We compared Child Behavior Checklist scores of 4- to 16-year-old children (N = 271) from a community sample assessed in 1983 with Child Behavior Checklist scores of their 6- to 18-year-old offspring (N = 424) who were assessed in 2007. Multilevel modeling was used to test intergenerational associations. RESULTS Most forms of problem behavior in children were predicted by the behavior of their parents as children. Parents' Internalizing, Externalizing, and Total Problem scores in childhood all predicted similar problems in their children. Sex differences were found for Delinquent Behavior: continuity was stronger in mothers than it was in fathers, and it was also stronger in sons than in daughters. CONCLUSIONS The finding that child behavior continues across generations poses challenges in finding ways to prevent problems from being transmitted across generations.
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