Behavioral genetic analyses of parent twin relationship quality

This study estimates genetic and environmental effects on parent-offspring relationship quality. In addition, we tested to what degree offsprings' and parents' personality characteristics affect relationship quality. In a sample of 226 monozygotic and 168 dizygotic twin pairs we collected self-report relationship quality data for relationships with fathers and mothers. Fathers and mothers likewise reported relationship quality with each twin sibling. Independent of informants (parents versus twins) parent-offspring relationship quality was moderately to strongly heritable. Shared environmental influences had moderate and statistically significant effects on father-twin relationships. Effects of the shared environment were smaller and not statistically significant for mother-twin relationships. Offsprings' personality traits were significantly related to relationship quality. Neuroticism, agreeableness, and conscientiousness showed consistent genetic correlations with all relationship quality measures, but there were no consistent environmentally mediated correlations. Parents' agreeableness and neuroticism were consistently related to relationship quality, while conscientiousness showed correlation only for fathers. Our results suggest the importance of common genetic influences for the dynamic interplay of actor and partner that formed their relationship over time. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.