Carmen van der Zwaluw

c.vanderzwaluw@pwo.ru.nl

Title project:
Genes, family environment, and gene-family environment interactions as predictors of adolescent alcohol use.

Abstract:
Alcohol (mis)use is common among Dutch adolescents. To predict and explain adolescent drinking behavior, research has mainly examined environmental factors (e.g., parents, peers). In addition, twin and adoption studies indicate a substantial genetic component in the development of alcohol dependence, with heritability estimates ranging from 40% to 60%. To understand individual differences in behavior, we should also focus on the interaction between genes and environment. Accordingly, the current project will examine how family environmental factors (e.g., parenting) interact with one or more candidate genes (e.g., dopamine genes) in predicting the different stages of alcohol use (initiation, regular drinking, intoxication, and alcohol dependence) in early, middle, and late adolescence.