Exploring the Genomic Architectures of Health, Physical Traits and Antisocial Behavioral Outcomes: A Brief Report

Abstract

A widely replicated finding across the behavioral sciences is that antisocial behaviors correlate with an array of health problems. Less clear, however, is the precise nature of this association. There is reason to suspect that a direct causal link exists between incarceration—a consequence of some antisocial behaviors—and certain negative health outcomes, for instance. However, it might be the case that broader phenotypes like antisocial behavior may correlate with certain health and physiological traits at a genomic level. We explore this possibility from a theoretical vantage point, while also presenting some preliminary data from existing secondary sources. Tentatively, no significant genetic correlations emerged across a host of health, physiological, and wellbeing outcomes after correction for multiple testing. However, more work is needed exploring this topic. We propose that future studies should make use of larger, more diverse samples and examine the genetic overlap between homogeneous clusters of antisocial behavioral subtypes and disease traits or symptoms.

Uncovering the genetic architecture of broad antisocial behavior through a genome-wide association study meta-analysis

“…Our genetic correlation analyses confirmed previously reported [16,23,58] correlations between ASB and a wide range of traits and diagnoses. The relatively small GWAS sample size of some traits, however, coupled with wide confidence intervals (such as agreeableness, r g = −0,81, s.e.…”

“…Moreover, we conducted a follow-up analysis by using a mouse model of pathological aggression. Since ASB is known to correlate phenotypically with an array of cognitive and health problems [20][21][22][23], we tested for genetic overlap between ASB and a range of other traits and disorders, including anthropometric, cognitive, reproductive, neuropsychiatric, and smoking.…”

Shared Genomic Architectures of COVID-19 and Antisocial Behavior

“…A strongly negative genetic correlation ( = -0.55) between ASB and selfreported health has been reported 11 . In contrast, a comprehensive study found no significant between ASB and 669 health, physiological, and well-being measures after accounting for multiple testing 15 . Thus, much remains to be discovered regarding shared etiology between ASB and various aspects of health, including COVID-19.…”

“…Individuals prone to antisocial, violent, and criminal behaviors are also disproportionately and profoundly unhealthy 12,13 , and a recent study reported strong negative (r=-0.55) genetic correlations between ASB and self-reported health 10 . In contrast, a comprehensive study reported no significant genetic correlations between ASB and 669 health, physiological, and well-being measures after accounting for multiple testing 14 . Thus, much remains to be discovered regarding any shared genetic etiology of ASB and various aspects of health, including Covid-19.…”