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Genetic and environmental factors affecting self-esteem from age 14 to 17: a longitudinal study of Finnish twins.

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Title: Genetic and environmental factors affecting self-esteem from age 14 to 17: a longitudinal study of Finnish twins.
Authors: Raevuori A (AUTHOR), Dick DM (AUTHOR), Keski-Rahkonen A (AUTHOR), Pulkkinen L (AUTHOR), Rose RJ (AUTHOR), Rissanen A (AUTHOR), Kaprio J (AUTHOR), Viken RJ (AUTHOR), Silventoinen K (AUTHOR)
Source: Psychological Medicine. Nov2007, Vol. 37 Issue 11, p1625-1633. 9p.
Abstract: ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: We analysed genetic and environmental influences on self-esteem and its stability in adolescence.MethodFinnish twins born in 1983-1987 were assessed by questionnaire at ages 14 (n=4132 twin individuals) and 17 years (n=3841 twin individuals). Self-esteem was measured using the Rosenberg global self-esteem scale and analyzed using quantitative genetic methods for twin data in the Mx statistical package. RESULTS: The heritability of self-esteem was 0.62 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.56-0.68] in 14-year-old boys and 0.40 (95% CI 0.26-0.54) in 14-year-old girls, while the corresponding estimates at age 17 were 0.48 (95% CI 0.39-0.56) and 0.29 (95% CI 0.11-0.45). Rosenberg self-esteem scores at ages 14 and 17 were modestly correlated (r=0.44 in boys, r=0.46 in girls). In boys, the correlation was mainly (82%) due to genetic factors, with residual co-variation due to unique environment. In girls, genetic (31%) and common environmental (61%) factors largely explained the correlation. CONCLUSIONS: In adolescence, self-esteem seems to be differently regulated in boys versus girls. A key challenge for future research is to identify environmental influences contributing to self-esteem during adolescence and determine how these factors interact with genetic influences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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Database: Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection
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Abstract:ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: We analysed genetic and environmental influences on self-esteem and its stability in adolescence.MethodFinnish twins born in 1983-1987 were assessed by questionnaire at ages 14 (n=4132 twin individuals) and 17 years (n=3841 twin individuals). Self-esteem was measured using the Rosenberg global self-esteem scale and analyzed using quantitative genetic methods for twin data in the Mx statistical package. RESULTS: The heritability of self-esteem was 0.62 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.56-0.68] in 14-year-old boys and 0.40 (95% CI 0.26-0.54) in 14-year-old girls, while the corresponding estimates at age 17 were 0.48 (95% CI 0.39-0.56) and 0.29 (95% CI 0.11-0.45). Rosenberg self-esteem scores at ages 14 and 17 were modestly correlated (r=0.44 in boys, r=0.46 in girls). In boys, the correlation was mainly (82%) due to genetic factors, with residual co-variation due to unique environment. In girls, genetic (31%) and common environmental (61%) factors largely explained the correlation. CONCLUSIONS: In adolescence, self-esteem seems to be differently regulated in boys versus girls. A key challenge for future research is to identify environmental influences contributing to self-esteem during adolescence and determine how these factors interact with genetic influences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
ISSN:00332917
DOI:10.1017/s0033291707000840