Verhaltensgenetik

Behavioural genetics has provided ample evidence for the influence of genes on personality traits and psychological disorders. In this review, the methodological strategies of behavioural genetics are described and study results with special relevance for psychotherapists are highlighted.Moreover, some traditional myths and misunderstandings are discussed. In particular, two findings are underscored: While genetic factors substantially contribute to the development of personality traits, environmental influences shared by the members of a family appear to be virtually absent. In contrast, environmental factor specific to an individual seem to play an important role.Second, genes do not only have a direct impact on the development of psychological disorders, but also act in an indirect way by increasing the probability of exposure to stressful life events which in turn function as risk factors for psychological disorders. It is concluded that research should incorporate both genetic and environmental factors to be able to evaluate their relative impact and elucidate the interaction of nature and nurture.