Dopaminergic Polymorphisms, Academic Achievement, and Violent Delinquency

• In Event: Causes of Crime and Deviance from a Comparative Perspective

Abstract

Recent research showed that polymorphisms in three dopaminergic genes (DAT1, DRD2, and DRD4) were linked to adolescents’ grade point averages (GPAs) (Beaver et al, 2010). Drawing on this finding, the current study reanalyzed the Add Health genetic subsample in order to assess the relative effects of the dopaminergic genes and self-control on GPAs. The results showed that the effects of the latter were far stronger than the former. Interaction effects between the genes and a set of environmental factors on academic performance was also examined, resulting in findings that are aligned with the “social push hypothesis” in behavioral genetics. Finally, considering criminological literature on the link between academic performance and delinquency, we ascertained whether dopaminergic effects on violent delinquency were mediated by GPAs.

Authors

• Ilhong Yun, Chosun University

• Sejong Jung, Chosun University

• Samuel Swindel, West Virginia State University