Eleanor Finch
Genes play a significant role in the development of minds and behaviour, influencing both psychological and physical characteristics. Behavioural genetics, also known as behaviour genetics, is a field of scientific research that investigates the nature and origins of individual behavioural differences, as well as the extent to which genetics and environmental factors influence these differences. The study of gene-environment interactions is critical for understanding the expression of psychological traits, and behavioural genetic research has provided evidence that most researched behaviours are influenced by a large number of genes. While genetics play a role in determining the age range for certain behaviours, environmental influences determine the specific timing within that range.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition | The study of the influence of an organism’s genetic composition on its behaviour and the interaction of heredity and environment. |
| Other names | Behaviour genetics |
| Focus | To investigate the nature and origins of individual differences in behaviour. |
| History | Founded by Francis Galton in the late 19th century. |
| Twin studies | Compare the likelihood that a given behavioural trait is shared among identical and fraternal twins. |
| Adoption studies | Compare the rates of a given behavioural trait among biologically related relatives and adopted relatives. |
| Selective breeding | Evaluates genetic involvement by attempting to breed for high and low extremes of a trait for several generations. |
| Inbred strains | Screening for genetic influence on behaviour by comparing the behaviour of different inbred strains raised in the same laboratory environment. |
| Notable contributors | Robert Plomin, John C. DeFries, Valerie Knopik, Jenae Neiderhiser, David Buss, Seymour Benzer |
| Related fields | Evolutionary psychology |
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What You'll Learn
Behavioural genetics studies
Behavioural genetics, also referred to as behaviour genetics, is a field of scientific research that uses genetic methods to investigate the nature and origins of individual differences in behaviour. Behavioural genetics studies the heritability of behavioural traits and overlaps with genetics, psychology, and ethology (the scientific study of human and animal behaviour).
Behavioural genetics was founded as a scientific discipline by Sir Francis Galton, a nineteenth-century intellectual and cousin of Charles Darwin, in the late 19th century. Galton studied many subjects, including the heritability of human abilities and mental characteristics. One of his investigations involved a large pedigree study of social and intellectual achievement in the English upper class. In 1869, he published his results in 'Hereditary Genius'. In this work, Galton found that the rate of "eminence" was highest among close relatives of eminent individuals and decreased as the degree of relationship to eminent individuals decreased.
Another method used in behavioural genetics studies is genome-wide association studies, where researchers test the relationship between millions of genetic polymorphisms and behavioural phenotypes across the genome. This approach is typically not guided by a particular biological hypothesis regarding the phenotype. Additionally, investigators in animal behaviour genetics can carefully control for environmental factors and experimentally manipulate genetic variants, allowing for a degree of causal inference not available in human studies.
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Nature vs nurture
The nature vs nurture debate in psychology revolves around the question of whether genetics (nature) or environmental factors (nurture) play a bigger role in determining an individual's characteristics and behaviours. The term "nature vs nurture" was coined by English anthropologist Francis Galton, cousin of Charles Darwin, around 1875.
The "nature" perspective posits that genetics are the primary influence on human development. Proponents of this view believe that genetic traits are passed down from parents to children, contributing to individual differences in characteristics and behaviours. They argue that genetics influence a range of factors, from physical characteristics to behavioural traits, cognitive abilities, and mental health. For instance, studies have found genetic links to basic personality traits, temperament, and even psychological disorders such as depression and schizophrenia. Intelligence is also highly heritable, with about 50% of the variance in IQ attributed to genetic factors. Nature theorists also believe that genetics play a significant role in language development, with children possessing an instinctive ability to learn and produce language.
On the other hand, the "nurture" perspective emphasizes the role of environmental factors in shaping individuals. Supporters of this view argue that the mind starts as a blank slate at birth, and our experiences, relationships, and learning opportunities determine who we become. They contend that behaviours are learned through observation and imitation, and environmental influences can impact cognitive abilities and mental health. For example, exposure to toxins or drugs in utero can cause developmental delays and increase the risk of certain mental illnesses. Nurture theorists also attribute language development to listening and imitating others, rather than an innate capacity.
While early theories often favoured one side of the debate, contemporary views acknowledge the interplay between nature and nurture. Experts now recognize that both genetics and environmental factors contribute to human development, and their interaction is complex and multifaceted. Behavioural genetics studies have found that nearly all researched behaviours are influenced by genetics to a significant degree, and this influence tends to increase as individuals develop into adulthood. However, environmental factors also play a crucial role, and the interaction between nature and nurture is often the most influential aspect in shaping individuals.
In conclusion, the nature vs nurture debate continues to be a subject of ongoing research and discussion in psychology. While genetics and environmental factors both contribute to human development, the relative importance of each varies depending on the specific trait or behaviour in question.
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Genetic predispositions and environmental triggers
Gene-environment interactions (GxE) have been a focus of interest in the field of gene psychology. Behavioural genetics, or behavioural geneticists, is a field of scientific research that investigates the nature and origins of individual differences in behaviour. It explores the extent to which genetic and environmental factors influence these differences, and the development of research designs that can isolate the effects of genes and the environment.
The diathesis-stress model suggests that individuals with a genetic predisposition to psychological disorders will only develop the disorder when exposed to an adverse environment. However, this model has been criticised for its focus on negative life events, and a more recent alternative, the differential-susceptibility perspective, has been proposed. This model suggests that individuals with certain genetic predispositions are more susceptible to environmental effects, both negative and positive. For example, the interaction between genetic susceptibility and life events may trigger a genetic predisposition toward depression. Conversely, positive environments, such as stable relationships and low-stress levels, can act as a buffer against depressive problems.
Adoption studies have provided evidence for a gene-environment effect, with adoptees at high genetic risk also being more sensitive to negative environmental experiences. For instance, Cloninger et al. found that adoptees with criminal biological parents and adverse rearing experiences had higher rates of petty criminality than those with only one of these risk factors. Similarly, the Finnish Adoptive Family Study of Schizophrenia found that a high genetic risk for schizophrenic thought disorder was associated with an increased risk of the disorder only when combined with communication deviance in the adoptive family.
The environment can also control the expression of a genetic predisposition. For example, the availability of substances can influence the expression of a predisposition toward substance abuse. Additionally, social control, such as marriage-like relationships and religious upbringing, can reduce genetic predispositions toward substance use by exerting social norms that constrain behaviour.
In conclusion, gene psychology recognises that both genetic predispositions and environmental triggers play a role in the development of psychological traits and disorders. While genetics can predispose individuals to certain behaviours and disorders, the environment can trigger, compensate for, control, or enhance these predispositions.
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The role of genetics in personality
Genes play a significant role in the development and expression of personality traits. Behavioural genetic research has found that nearly all researched behaviours are under a significant degree of genetic influence, and this influence tends to increase as individuals develop into adulthood.
Twin studies have been instrumental in understanding the heritability of personality traits. These studies compare the likelihood of a given behavioural trait being shared among identical and fraternal twins. Research suggests that personality traits are moderately heritable, with estimates ranging from 30% to 60%. For example, the Big Five personality traits of neuroticism, extraversion, openness, agreeableness, and conscientiousness have been found to have a genetic basis.
However, it is important to note that the environment also plays a crucial role in shaping personality. The expression of genes can be influenced by factors such as upbringing, life experiences, and social influences. The interaction between genetics and the environment is complex, and both contribute to the unique personality of an individual.
Genetic studies of personality have enhanced our understanding of the genetic etiology of personality traits and their links to neuropsychiatric diseases. For example, heritable variation in personality traits, such as neuroticism, may share a common genetic basis with psychiatric diseases, such as major depressive disorder.
In conclusion, genetics plays a significant role in personality, influencing the development and expression of traits. However, the environment also contributes to the formation of an individual's unique personality. Further research and understanding of the genetic basis of personality may lead to novel treatment approaches for neuropsychiatric diseases.
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Genetic variation
Behavioral genetics studies the heritability of behavioral traits, overlapping with genetics, psychology, and ethology (the scientific study of human and animal behavior). Behavioral genetics research indicates that every trait is (at least) a little bit heritable—though the fact that a trait is heritable does not mean it is fixed. Heritability estimates range from 0 to 1, or from zero percent to 100 percent. For example, if the heritability of a trait is estimated to be 50 percent, that suggests that about half of the overall variation between different people on measures of that trait is due to differences in their DNA.
Genetics plays a large role in when and how learning, growing, and development occur. For example, although the environment has an effect on the walking behavior of infants and toddlers, children are unable to walk at all before an age that is predetermined by their genome. While the genetic makeup of a child determines the age range for when they will begin walking, environmental influences determine how early or late within that range the event will actually occur.
Behavior can influence genetic expression in humans and animals by activating or deactivating genes. Behavior can have an impact on genetic makeup, even as early as the prenatal period. It is important to understand the implications of behavior on genetic makeup in order to reduce negative environmental and behavioral influences on genes.
Genes are associated with temperament and a number of psychological disorders, such as depression and schizophrenia. Genes also affect more than our physical characteristics. Scientists have found genetic linkages to a number of behavioral characteristics, ranging from basic personality traits to sexual orientation to spirituality.
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Frequently asked questions
Gene psychology, also known as behavioural genetics, is a field of scientific research that uses genetic methods to investigate the nature and origins of individual differences in behaviour.
Behavioural genetic research has found that nearly all researched behaviours are under a significant degree of genetic influence, and that this influence tends to increase as individuals develop into adulthood. It has also been found that most researched human behaviours are influenced by a very large number of genes, and that environmental influences play a strong role in shaping behaviour.
Genes have been found to influence a number of behavioural characteristics, including basic personality traits, temperament, and a number of psychological disorders such as depression and schizophrenia. For example, while the genetic makeup of a child determines the age range for when they will begin walking, environmental influences determine how early or late within that range this will occur.
Gene psychologists often employ twin and adoption studies to research questions of interest. Twin studies compare the rates that a given behavioural trait is shared among identical and fraternal twins, while adoption studies compare those rates among biologically related relatives and adopted relatives. Both approaches provide insight into the relative importance of genes and environment in the expression of a given trait.
