DELINQUENT TEENS AND THEIR GENES
There is growing evidence that many behavioural tendencies are influenced by genes. A recent article by Beaver et al (2009) has suggested that genetics are the primary driving force of low-self control and self-regulation among adolescents. More specifically, Beaver et al (2009) indicated that genes are partly responsible for the predisposition for some adolescents to be involved with antisocial groups such as drug users.
In the past, most researches have dismissed the importance of genetics in adolescent behaviour, instead focusing on shared and non-shared environments (Beaver et al, 2009). For example, an article by Gottfredson and Hirschi (1990) stated that genetic and biological factors had no effect on levels of self-control and the involvement of adolescents in delinquent peer groups. Despite this, there is growing evidence that this may be incorrect. Wright and Beaver (2005) found that the relationship between parenting and self-control is accounted for by genetic factors and that genetic influences are central in the development of self-control in adolescents. In addition, many twin-based research designs have indicated the strong relationship between genes and the formation of delinquent peer groups (Price et al, 2001). Research by Price et al (2001) found that 50-90% of the variance in self-control and impulsivity is accounted by genes. Cleveland, Wiebe and Rowe (2005) found that 64% of delinquent peer affiliation was vindicated by genetics. This indicated that some adolescents are predisposed to be impulsive and select antisocial peer groups because of their genes. The problem with these studies was that the exact role of genes in adolescent behaviour was still unknown and thus the study by Beaver et al (2009) was conducted to help solve this problem.
Genes may be the primary driving force behind adolescent behaviour.The purpose of the study by Beaver et al (2009) was to establish the relative effects of environmental and genetic factors in the development of self-control and delinquent peer association. The results of the study showed that 40-50% of the variance in low self-control among adolescents was accounted for by genetic factors. In addition, 37-62% of the variance in delinquent peer associations was accounted for by genetic factors. These results suggested that biogenetic factors (mainly genes) are the primary cause of certain behavioural tendencies among adolescents. This research is useful in that it allows for better explanation of crime and anti-social behaviour and thus enables current criminological theories to be revised to better suit adolescent persons (Beaver et al, 2009).
References:
1. Beaver, K.M., Shutt, J.E., Boutwell, B.B., Ratchford, M., Roberts, K., & Barnes, J.C. (2009) Genetic and environmental influences on levels of self-control and delinquent peer affiliation. Criminal Justice and Behavior, 36(1), 41-60.
2. Gottfredson, M., & Hirschi, T. (1990). A general theory of crime. Palo Alto, CA: Stanford University Press.
3. Wright, J.P., & Beaver, K.M. (2005). Do parents matter in creating self-control in their children? A genetically informed test of Gottfredson and Hirschi’s theory of low self-control. Criminology, 43,1169-1202.
4. Price, T.S., Simonoff, E., Walman, I., Asherson, P., & Plomin, R. (2001). Hyperactivity in preschool children is highly heritable. Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 40,1362-1364.
5. Cleveland, H.H., Wiebe, R.P., & Rowe, D.C. (2005). Sources of exposure to smoking and drinking friends among adolescents: A behavioural genetic evaluation. Journal of Genetic Psychology, 166,153-169.
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