Twin studies in behavioral and health research: current status, prospects and aplications

Abstract

Twin research is expanding at an increasing rate, largely due to evidence of genetic influences on many human characteristics thought to be of mostly environmental origin, such as religiosity and political participation. Methodological advances and statistical refinements have reshaped the classic monozygotic (MZ) - dizygotic (DZ) twin comparison into one of the most informative investigative tools, without detracting from its simplicity and elegance. The book is divided into five sections that together provide a unifying framework for the different chapters. The book organizers trust that this book will stimulate further research efforts by twin researchers worldwide, and that future contributions to twin research from interested scholars and students can be expected.