Happiness in Behaviour Genetics: Findings and Implications

A number of behaviour genetic studies have shown variation in happiness to be influenced by genes, and indicated that long-term happiness is predominantly caused by genes. To policy makers and individuals, as well as the psychological and psychiatric enterprise, evidence for considerable and stable genetic contributions suggests that societal changes, therapeutic interventions, and public prevention may produce mainly transitory or minor effects. This is not true. The present paper aims to summarise the recent behaviour genetic findings on happiness and happiness-related constructs and to discuss their theoretical and practical implications. Specifically, five major implications relevant to public health work, are outlined and broadly discussed: (1) high heritability does not limit chances for raising happiness, (2) genes generate stability, (3) environments generate change, (4) environmental influences operate on an individual-by-individual basis, and (5) control for genetic endowments is necessary for correct measures of environmental effects.     

Mental health in infants with esophageal atresia

Chronic somatic illness in infancy may challenge the development of mental health and impinge the infant's capability to form close interpersonal relationships. Esophageal atresia (EA) is a congenital anomaly requiring neonatal surgery, medical aftertreatment, and extended hospitalization. The aim of the study was to assess mental health and to find prognostic factors for mental health among infants with EA. Thirty‐nine infants treated consecutively during 2000 to 2003 and their mothers were included. Infant mental health was assessed by Diagnostic Classification: 0–3 (Zero to Three, 1994). Medical and environmental data were collected from medical records and semistructured interview with the mothers. Child development was assessed with the Bayley scales, second edition (N. Bayley, 1993). Maternal psychological distress, anxiety, and child temperament were assessed by self‐report questionnaires: the General Health Questionnaire, 30‐item version (D. Goldberg & P. Williams, 1988); the State Trait Anxiety Inventory (C.D. Spielberger, R. Gorsuch, & R. Lushene, 1970); and the Infant Behaviour Questionnaire (M.K. Rothbart, 1981). Thirty‐one percent of the infants with EA showed mental health disorders by 1 year of age. Prognostic factors predicting mental health were posttraumatic symptoms reported by mother, more than one operation, mechanical ventilation beyond 1 day, and moderate/severe chronic family strain. Relational trauma, vulnerable attachment, and impaired self‐development are highlighted as possible pathways for psychopathology. Children with EA are vulnerable to mental health disorders, and this study may help clinicians to identify children at risk.     

Spill‐over effects of intermittent costs for defection in social dilemmas

This research investigates the role of intermittent monetary costs in restraining individuals from defection in social dilemmas. In Experiment 1, 104 car owners made fictitious choices between a slow and a fast travel mode in the context of a continuous social dilemma. There were four different conditions of monetary costs for choosing the fast mode (defection): no cost, low cost, high cost to self, or high cost to others. Participants defected most when there was no cost and least when they themselves were charged a high cost. A spill‐over effect was obtained such that when others were charged a high cost to defect, defection rates were lower than under no cost. Experiment 2 used 36 undergraduates as participants in an iterated decision task with real groups. The results replicated the major results of Experiment 1. Furthermore, whereas prosocials were strongly affected by intermittent costs for defection (i.e. showed large spill‐over effects), proselfs seemed to be unaffected. Possible explanations of this interaction effect between social value orientation and intermittent punishment for defection are provided. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.