Sensation seeking and impulsive traits as personality endophenotypes for antisocial behavior: Evidence from two independent samples

Abstract

Sensation seeking and impulsivity are personality traits that are correlated with risk for antisocial behavior (ASB). This paper uses two independent samples of twins to (a) test the extent to which sensation seeking and impulsivity statistically mediate genetic influence on ASB, and (b) compare this to genetic influences accounted for by other personality traits. In Sample 1, delinquent behavior, as well as impulsivity, sensation seeking and Big Five personality traits, were measured in adolescent twins from the Texas Twin Project. In Sample 2, adult twins from the Australian Twin Registry responded to questionnaires that assessed individual differences in Eysenck's and Cloninger's personality dimensions, and a structured telephone interview that asked participants to retrospectively report DSM-defined symptoms of conduct disorder. Bivariate quantitative genetic models were used to identify genetic overlap between personality traits and ASB. Across both samples, novelty/sensation seeking and impulsive traits accounted for larger portions of genetic variance in ASB than other personality traits. We discuss whether sensation seeking and impulsive personality are causal endophenotypes for ASB, or merely index genetic liability for ASB.

High novelty seeking as a predictor of antisocial behaviour in early adulthood

“…27 Recent twin data suggest the sensation seeking (a trait closely related to NS) is an endophenotype for antisocial behaviour. 28 However, our findings suggest much of the overlapping variance between personality variables and antisocial behaviours is explained by alcohol and substance use disorders. If this is correct, this would cast doubt on the value of NS as a more generalized endophenotype for externalizing behaviours.…”

“…Given the complex causal structure of externalizing behaviours, the field of behavioural genetics needs stable and reliably diagnosed phenotypes in order to better understand the interplay between genetic and environmental influences on antisocial behaviour . Recent twin data suggest the sensation seeking (a trait closely related to NS) is an endophenotype for antisocial behaviour . However, our findings suggest much of the overlapping variance between personality variables and antisocial behaviours is explained by alcohol and substance use disorders.…”

Relations between Temperament and Metacognition and Frames of Reference in Behaviors in Public Situations in Early and Middle Adolescence: An Analysis of Age Stages

“…Sensation-seeking relates to the strength of a person's desire for new experiences and need for sensory triggering (Arnett, 1992;Zuckerman, 1994). It is also linked with a predilection for high-risk activities, such as reckless driving, varied sexual experiences, stimulant use, low-level criminal acts (Arnett, 1992), and antisocial behavior (Mann et al, 2017). Adolescents are frequently considered more extreme in their sensation-seeking compared with children or adults, a view backed by empirical studies (Arnett, 1992).…”

Rule-following in Traffic: A Case Study for Cuernavaca, Morelos (Mexico)

“…The tendency to not respect rules is acquired during development and is characterized by mischief, smoking, drinking, school issues and vandalism, and is accentuated during adulthood through social issues such as stalking, aggression, theft, rape and murder (Lan, Abdullah, & Roslan, 2010). The tendency to not follow rules is associated to delinquent and antisocial behavior (Mann et al, 2017;Vannucci, Nocentini, Chiorri, & Menesini, 2014). This study posits the idea of Rule-Following as a psychological construct that can be measured from a quantitative methodology.…”