Citation

Loehlin JC. Res. Hum. Dev. 2007; 4(3): 151-162.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2007, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/15427600701662959

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

A large body of evidence from behavior genetic designs (twins, adoptions, etc.) leads to a somewhat surprising conclusion: For many important behavioral traits in adulthood, c2, the effect on siblings of having shared a family environment as children, is close to zero. The value of c2 assessed early in life while the siblings are still sharing the family environment is, however, appreciable. Such findings raise the question of whether factors such as the imitation of parents or sharing childhood peers have lasting effects on personality and abilities. I discuss some exceptions to the generalization c2 = 0, and I offer advice on research strategies to clarify matters further.