Citation

Fagnani C, Medda E, Alessandri G, Delfino D, D'Ippolito C, Eisenberg N, Stazi MA. J. Res. Pers. 2017; 68: 5-14.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2017, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.jrp.2017.03.003

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

The role of genes and environment in the relation between self-regulation and adjustment is unclear. We investigated, with the twin design, genetic and environmental components of the association between effortful control (EC) and indicators of psychological adjustment using adolescents' and parents' reports for 774 twins. Genetic factors explained a substantial proportion of variance in EC (58%) and the outcome variables of optimism (55%), general self-esteem (45%), happiness (48%), and self-derogation (29%). Perceived competence had no significant genetic component. Aside from perceived competence, uncorrelated with EC, phenotypic correlations of EC with measures of well-being/adjustment were moderate and predominantly explained by shared genetic effects.

RESULTS suggest a significant genetic contribution in adolescents' EC and in its relation to various aspects of adjustment.

Language: en