Showing papers by "Michael Rutter published in 2002"

Gene-environment interplay in relation to emotional and behavioral disturbance

Abstract: The conceptual and methodological issues involved in the study of gene-environment correlations (rGE) and interactions (GxE) are discussed in historical context. Quantitative genetic findings are considered with respect to rGE and GxE in relation to emotional and behavioral disturbance. Key conceptual and substantive implications are outlined in relation to both genetic and environmental risk mediation, with a brief note on evolutionary considerations.

Nature, nurture, and development: from evangelism through science toward policy and practice.

Abstract: During the second half of the 20th century there was an immense increase in both empirical findings on, and conceptual understanding of, the effects of nature, nurture, and developmental processes on psychological functioning—both normal and abnormal. Unfortunately, the good science has also been accompanied by excessive polarizing claims and by unwarranted extrapolations. This article provides a summary review of the real gains in knowledge, outlines some of the misleading claims, and notes the potential for research and for science-led improvements in policies and practice. The need to bring about a better interpretation of genetic, psychosocial, and developmental research strategies and theoretical concepts is emphasized.

The interplay of nature, nurture, and developmental influences: the challenge ahead for mental health.

Abstract: This article succinctly reviews research achievements in the fields of psychiatric genetics, psychosocial influences on mental disorder, and developmental processes. The challenges for the future are discussed in relation to finding and understanding the following: (1) susceptibility genes; (2) environmentally mediated causal risk processes; (3) nature-nurture interplay; (4) the effects of psychosocial adversity on the organism; (5) the causal processes responsible for group differences in rates of disorder; and (6) age-related changes in psychopathological characteristics.

Genetic effects on the variation and covariation of attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and oppositional-defiant disorder/conduct disorder (Odd/CD) symptomatologies across informant and occasion of measurement.

Abstract: Background. Previous studies have shown that the presence of conduct disorder may contribute to the persistence of attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptomatology into adolescence; however, the aetiological relationship between the two phenotypes remains undetermined. Furthermore, studies utilizing multiple informants have indicated that teacher ratings of these phenotypes are more valid than maternal reports.Methods. The genetic structure underlying the persistence of ADHD and oppositional-defiant disorder/conduct disorder (ODD/CD) symptomatologies as rated by mothers and teachers at two occasions of measurement was investigated on a sample of 494 male and 603 female same sex adolescent twin pairs participating in the Virginia Twin Study of Adolescent Behavioral Development (VTSABD).Results. Using structural modelling techniques, one common genetic factor was shown to govern the covariation between the phenotypes across informants and occasion of measurement with additional genetic factors specific to ODD/CD symptomatology and persistence of symptomatology at reassessment. Genetic structures underlying the phenotypes were, to some extent, informant dependent.Conclusions. The findings indicate that it is unlikely that the co-morbidity between ADHD and ODD/CD is due to environmental influences that are independent of ADHD. Rather it is likely to be due to a shared genetic liability either operating directly, or indirectly through gene–environment correlations or interactions. The covariation between phenotypes across informants and time is governed by a common set of genes, but it seems that ODD/CD is also influenced by additional genetic factors. Developmentally, different forms of genetic liability control ADHD in males and inattention in females.

Families with Children Conceived by Donor Insemination: A Follow-Up at Age Twelve

Abstract: Growing public awareness of the use of donor insemination (DI) to enable infertile couples to become parents has been accompanied by increasing concern regarding the potentially negative consequences for family relationships and child development. Findings are presented from a prospective study of the quality of parenting and psychological adjustment of DI children at age 12. Thirty-seven DI families, 49 adoptive families, and 91 families with a naturally conceived child were compared on standardized interview and questionnaire measures administered to mothers, fathers, children, and teachers. The differences between DI families and the other family types reflected greater expressive warmth of DI mothers toward their children and less involvement in the discipline of their children by DI fathers. The DI children were well adjusted in terms of their social and emotional development. The findings are discussed with respect to the secrecy surrounding DI and the imbalance in genetic relatedness between the parents and the child.

Behavior Patterns Associated with Institutional Deprivation: A Study of Children Adopted from Romania

Abstract: This study examined the prevalence and persistence of behaviors associated with institutional rearing in a sample of 144 children from Romania adopted by UK families. Patterns of rocking, self-injury, unusual sensory interests, and eating problems were assessed in children aged between a few weeks and 43 months who were adopted from institutional care. Forty-seven percent of the institutionally reared children rocked at the time of UK entry and 24% engaged in self-injurious behavior. By age 6 years, the percentages were 18% and 13%, respectively. Eleven percent of the children were displaying unusual sensory interests at the time of arrival, and at 6 years 13% of the children did so. Fifteen percent of the children were still experiencing difficulties with chewing and swallowing solid food at age 6 years. The primary factor affecting the prevalence and persistence of the behaviors was the length of time the children had spent in institutional deprivation.

Assessment of the within-family environment in twins: absolute versus differential ratings, and relationship with conduct problems.

Abstract: Background: The aim was to compare the psychometric properties of absolute versus differential ratings of the within-family environments and to examine their associations with conduct problems in 8–16-year-old twins. Methods: The sample comprised 1117 pairs of like-sex male and female twins and their parents, recruited from the school population of Virginia. The within-family environment was assessed from the Twin Inventory of Relationships and Experiences (TIRE), which provided measures of differential parental criticism, parental preference for one twin, and twins' peers' conduct problems, as rated by mothers, fathers and each of the twins. Twins' conduct problems were assessed by a modified version of the Olweus questionnaire. Results: Although differential ratings and absolute ratings had similar psychometric properties, the use of absolute ratings to differentiate the twins resulted in a construct with weak inter-rater agreement and low stability over time. Differential ratings of the twins' environment showed significant associations with differences in conduct problems between the twins, whereas the difference in absolute ratings of each twin did not. The differential parental criticism effect was uninfluenced by the overall level of criticism in the family. Conclusions: A direct contrast between siblings or twins, as part of the rating procedure (as provided by differential ratings), may be a more efficient way to assess aspects of the within-family environment that are reliable and which are associated with psychopathology. Both differential parental criticism and peers' conduct disturbance were associated with conduct problems in the twins. TIRE: Twin Inventory of Relationships and Experiences; VTSABD: Virginia Twin Study of Adolescent Behavioral Development

Assessment of genetic and environmental influences on differential ratings of within-family experiences and relationships in twins.

Abstract: Background. Although there is evidence that genetic factors influence individual differences in environmental risk exposure, there are few findings on genetic effects on differential parenting. The present study sought to examine this issue. Methods. The sample comprised 1117 pairs of like-sex male and female twins, aged 8–16 years, and their parents, recruited from the school population of Virginia. Differential ratings of the within-family experiences were provided by the Twin Inventory of Relationships and Experiences (TIRE). Results. Dimensions describing the within-family environment based on differential ratings contrasting the twins with one another, were influenced, to an approximately equal extent, by both genetic and environmental factors. Conclusions. The findings suggest that genetic differences between like-sex siblings lead them to experience their family environment differently, but also that environmental influences significantly affect interactions within the family.