Teens' alcohol use and behaviour problems are influenced by both genetic and environmental factors.
Teens' alcohol use and behaviour problems are influenced by both genetic and environmental factors.
Past studies have revealed that adolescent alcohol use and behaviour problems are influenced by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. In this study, researchers analysed more than 1400 twins from Finland to investigate how genetic and environmental factors influenced behaviour problems at the age of 12 years and alcohol use at the age of 14 years.
It was found that certain environments promoted the expression of teens' genetic predispositions, while other environments limited gene expression. Also, socio-regional, or neighbourhood influences have big impacts on adolescent behavioural outcomes, and these environmental effects have not received as much attention historically. Genetic influences assumed greater importance in urban settings, communities with greater migration and communities with a higher percentage of slightly older adolescents.
The researchers concluded that behavioural problems in children are associated with both concurrent and future alcohol problems. However, they are not predisposed to develop alcohol or behaviour problems, and the environment can be a key factor in whether or not an individual ever develops such problems.
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