Frequency of Truancy at High School: Evidence for Genetic and Twin Specific Shared Environmental Influences

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Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the relative influence of genetic and environmental factors on variation in truancy during high school. We examined the significance of genetic and shared and nonshared environmental influences. In addition, we tested for the presence of environmental factors specifically shared by twins, but not by their siblings. Methods: A threshold model was used to analyze data from 4,835 twins and their non-twin siblings. Results: Results showed a higher prevalence of truancy for males (38% vs. 29%) and an increase in prevalence with age (β = -.53). Individual differences in frequency of truancy were partly explained by genetic influences (h
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)579-586
JournalJournal of Adolescent Health
Volume45
Issue number6
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2009

Cohort Studies

  • Netherlands Twin Register (NTR)

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