Genetic effects on women's positive mental health: do marital relationships and social support matter?
Interpersonal relationships are important factors in mental health. A genetically sensitive design was used to examine associations among marital quality, adequacy of social support, and 2 aspects of positive mental health in a sample of 652 Swedish twin women and their families. There were 3 main findings. First, the covariance between relationships and positive mental health was partially accounted for by common genetic variance. Second, nonshared environmental influences played a substantial role in the covariance among the 3 constructs, with evidence for husbands being a source of this influence. Finally, different patterns of associations were found between relationships and 2 aspects of mental health, well-being and global self-worth, which shows how seemingly similar constructs can be differentially associated with relationships. Together, these findings emphasize the importance of genetically informed studies in family research and the role of the environment and interpersonal relationships in promoting and improving mental health.
Spotts
Erica L
EL
Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden. cfrels@gwumc.edu
Pederson
Nancy L
NL
Neiderhiser
Jenae M
JM
Reiss
David
D
Lichtenstein
Paul
P
Hansson
Kjell
K
Cederblad
Marianne
M
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease / Q000523:psychology; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008297:Male; D008393:Marriage / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000235:genetics* / Q000523:psychology; D008603:Mental Health / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D008875:Middle Aged; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D010549:Personal Satisfaction; D012649:Self Concept; D012944:Social Support; D018454:Spouses / Q000523:psychology; D013548:Sweden; D014427:Twins / Q000235:genetics / Q000523:psychology