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Genes and Behavior

gab laq ib psychology

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16 views2 pages

Genes and Behavior

gab laq ib psychology

Uploaded by

SpaceKJK
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Genes and Behavior

Genes play a crucial role in influencing human behavior, and certain


behaviors are thought to have a genetic basis. This is particularly true for
psychological disorders like Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), where both
genetic and environmental factors interact to influence the likelihood of
developing the condition. Twin studies are frequently used to investigate
the genetic basis of behavior, as they allow researchers to compare the
similarity of behavior between identical (monozygotic) and fraternal
(dizygotic) twins. These studies can help determine the heritability of
certain traits or disorders. The studies by Kendler et al. (2006) and Spinelli
et al. (2002) provide insight into how genes and behavior are linked,
particularly in the context of depression and related behaviors.

Study 1: Kendler et al. (2006) on Twin Research for MDD


Kendler et al. (2006) conducted a large-scale twin study to investigate the
heritability of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). The study involved more
than 15,000 twin pairs from the Swedish National Twin Registry, including
both identical and fraternal twins. The researchers found that the
concordance rate for MDD was significantly higher in monozygotic twins
(who share 100% of their genes) compared to dizygotic twins (who share
about 50% of their genes). The results indicated that the heritability of
MDD is around 38%, suggesting that genetic factors contribute
significantly to the risk of developing depression, though environmental
factors also play a key role.

Evaluation of the Theory (Based on Kendler et al.)


Kendler et al.’s study provides strong evidence for the role of genetics in
the development of MDD. The use of a large sample size and the twin
study design are key strengths, as they allow for robust comparisons
between genetic and environmental influences. However, one limitation of
twin studies is that they cannot fully account for environmental factors
shared by twins, such as upbringing and socioeconomic status, which may
also contribute to the development of MDD. Furthermore, the study does
not identify specific genes involved in MDD, meaning it can only suggest
heritability, not explain the biological mechanisms underlying depression.

Study 2: Spinelli et al. (2002)


Spinelli et al. (2002) conducted a longitudinal study to investigate the
effects of genetic and environmental factors on emotional and behavioral
development in children. This study looked at the interaction between
genetic predispositions and early environmental stressors, such as
maternal depression or stressful life events, and how these factors
influenced children’s risk of developing emotional problems. The
researchers found that children with a genetic predisposition (such as a
family history of mood disorders) were more likely to develop emotional
problems if they were exposed to early environmental stressors,
suggesting that genes and environment work together in shaping
behavior.
Evaluation of the Second Study (Spinelli et al.)
Spinelli et al.’s study is valuable because it highlights the interaction
between genetic predisposition and environmental stressors, providing a
more nuanced understanding of how genes influence behavior. One
strength of this study is its longitudinal design, which allows researchers
to track changes over time and observe how early life experiences affect
later behavior. However, the study’s reliance on self-reported data from
parents about environmental stressors may introduce bias, as parents
may underreport or misremember certain events. Additionally, while the
study highlights the interaction between genes and environment, it does
not offer insight into which specific genes are involved in the development
of emotional problems.

Linking the Studies to the Theory and Conclusion


Both Kendler et al. (2006) and Spinelli et al. (2002) provide important
insights into the role of genetics in behavior, particularly in the
development of mood disorders such as MDD. Kendler et al.’s twin study
suggests that MDD has a significant genetic component, while Spinelli et
al. emphasize the importance of gene-environment interaction, showing
that genetic predispositions may only manifest in certain environmental
conditions. Together, these studies support the idea that behavior,
especially in the context of mood disorders, is shaped by both genetic and
environmental factors. While genetic predisposition plays a key role,
environmental stressors also influence whether these genetic factors will
lead to behavioral outcomes, providing a comprehensive view of how
genes and behavior are linked.

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