title: Genetic influences on adolescent behavior.
abstract: Adolescence is a transitional, developmental phase with marked shifts in behavior, particularly as related to risk-taking and experimentation. Genetic influences on adolescent behavior also show marked changes across this developmental period; in fact, adolescence showcases the dynamic nature of genetic influences on human behavior. Using the twin studies literature on alcohol use and misuse, we highlight several principles of genetic influence on adolescent behavior. We illustrate how genetic influences change (increase) across adolescence, as individuals have more freedom to express their predispositions and to shape their social worlds. We show how there are multiple genetic pathways to risk, and how the environment can moderate the importance of genetic predispositions. Finally, we review the literature aimed at identifying specific genes involved in adolescent behavior and understanding how identified genes impact adolescent outcomes. Ultimately, understanding how genetic predispositions combine with environmental influences to impact pathways of risk and resilience should be translated into improved prevention and intervention efforts; this remains a rich area for future research.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, Virginia Commonwealth University, 806 W. Franklin Street, Richmond, VA 23284, United States; Department of African American Studies, Virginia Commonwealth University, 816 W. Franklin Street, Richmond, VA 23284, United States; Department of Human & Molecular Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, 1101 E. Marshall Street, Richmond, VA 23298, United States; College Behavioral and Emotional Health Institute, Virginia Commonwealth University, 816 W. Franklin Street, Richmond, VA 23284, United States. Electronic address: ddick@vcu.edu.
authors.forename: Danielle M
authors.initials: DM
authors.lastname: Dick
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, Virginia Commonwealth University, 806 W. Franklin Street, Richmond, VA 23284, United States; College Behavioral and Emotional Health Institute, Virginia Commonwealth University, 816 W. Franklin Street, Richmond, VA 23284, United States.
authors.forename: Amy E
authors.initials: AE
authors.lastname: Adkins
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, Virginia Commonwealth University, 806 W. Franklin Street, Richmond, VA 23284, United States.
authors.forename: Sally I-Chun
authors.initials: SI
authors.lastname: Kuo
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000294:Adolescent Behavior; D000428:Alcohol Drinking; D004777:Environment; D059647:Gene-Environment Interaction; D006801:Humans; D012309:Risk-Taking
keywords: Adolescence; Alcohol use; Developmental pathways; Externalizing; Genetics