The genetic etiology of inhibitory control and behavior problems at 24 months of age

Abstract

Background To investigate links between inhibitory control (IC) and behavior problems in early childhood, as well as genetic and environmental covariance between these two constructs. Methods Parent and laboratory ratings of IC and parent ratings of externalizing and ADHD problem behaviors were administered at 24 months of age on a sample of 291 same-sex twin pairs (131 MZ, 160 DZ). Results There were significant phenotypic associations between both IC assessments and the two areas of behavioral maladjustment (correlations ranged from −.13 to −.57). Multivariate analyses revealed that phenotypic covariance between IC and behavior problems could be substantially explained by common genetic influences (genetic correlations ranged from −.30 to −.74). Parent ratings of IC showed higher phenotypic and genetic correlations with behavior problems than lab ratings of IC. Conclusions This study is the first to examine the etiology of the covariance between IC and related behavioral difficulties in toddlerhood. Findings suggest that low levels of IC can be considered a genetic risk factor for the development of early emerging behavior problems.

Inhibitory Control and Moral Emotions: Relations to Reparation in Early and Middle Childhood

“…Specifically, high levels of inhibitory control were associated with high levels of reparation via the positive associations of caregiver-reported sympathy and guilt. The primacy of inhibitory control in this mediational chain is in line with recent twin studies documenting a significant genetic component of inhibitory control (Gagne & Saudino, 2010;Gagne et al, 2011). For example, Gagne and Saudino (2010) found that genetic factors accounted for 58% of the variance in caregiver-reported inhibitory control in a sample of 294, 24-month-old twin pairs.…”

“…Similar to its hypothesized role in promoting sympathy, inhibitory control may afford children with the regulatory capacity to curb overarousal (e.g., anger and frustration), reflect upon the wrongfulness of their transgression (e.g., feel guilty), and engage in reparation. The primacy of inhibitory control in this theoretical framework has been supported by recent twin studies establishing a significant genetic component of inhibitory control (Gagne & Saudino, 2010;Gagne, Saudino, & Asherson, 2011). Also in line with the present theorizing, recent research has considered the role of sympathy in mediating the effect of temperamental tendencies on prosocial behavior (see Edwards et al, 2014).…”

“…Recent research has documented a strong genetic component of inhibitory control (e.g., Gagne & Saudino, 2010;Gagne et al, 2011) and self-regulation is thought to promote optimal levels and expressions of moral emotions, such as sympathy and guilt (Eisenberg et al, 1994;Hoffman, 2000). From this perspective, high levels of genetically predisposed inhibitory control may provide children with the self-regulation necessary to experience optimal levels of sympathy and guilt in response to harming another.…”

The development of inhibitory control in early childhood: A twin study from 2–3 years.

“…Therefore, for most children, IC emerges late in the second year of life, and develops throughout the toddlerhood and preschool periods (Gagne & Goldsmith, 2011; Gagne & Saudino, 2010; Rothbart, 1989). Understanding IC in early childhood is particularly important because individuals with low IC have more cognitive and socio-emotional development issues such as externalizing behavior problems and associated Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) psychopathology (Eisenberg et al, 2001; 2004; Gagne, Saudino & Asherson, 2011; Schachar, Tannock, Marriott, & Logan, 1995). …”

Role of murine models in psychiatric illness drug discovery: a dimensional view

“…One such study of twins demonstrated heritability for these traits, which covaried with externalizing behavior problems and ADHD symptoms [52]. Delay discounting was also shown to be heritable in a longitudinal study of adolescent twins, where this trait was associated with substance use, novelty seeking as well as symptoms of ADHD and conduct disorder [53].…”