An Alternative Strategy for Measuring Genetic Predisposition: Results from a Nationally Representative Sample of Adults

• In Event: Cutting-Edge Biosocial Criminological Research

Abstract

A long line of developed and methodologically rigorous empirical research has emphasized the importance of utilizing genetically-sensitive research designs when examining behavioral phenotypes. While there are a substantial number of modeling strategies which effectively remove potential genetic confounding effects, the vast majority of these modeling strategies rely on special populations such as twins or adoptees. Perhaps the most concerning limitation of modeling strategies which focus on these populations is the lack of available samples which also include measures directly relevant to criminological research. The current study aims to address this limitation by proposing an alternative genetic risk measurement strategy. Rather than relying on a sample of twins or adoptees, the proposed strategy utilizes self-reported family history measures of antisocial behavior. The resulting genetic risk measure is highly flexible and can be used in virtually any population. Results from the National Epidemiological Study of Alcohol and Related Conditions (NESARC) revealed that the antisocial behavior genetic risk measure explained approximately 40 percent of the overall variance in a comprehensive measure of antisocial behavior, which falls directly in line with previous studies using more traditional quantitative genetic modeling strategies. Implications for future research, including both the strengths and limitations of the proposed measurement strategy, are discussed.

Author

• Joseph A. Schwartz, University of Nebraska at Omaha