Genetic similarity shared by best friends among adolescents

Abstract

Two observations suggest a genetic similarity among close friends: (1) the observed similarity among friends in certain traits and behaviors; (2) the evidence that many of these traits and behaviors have a genetic component. This hypothesis is tested using monozygotic (MZ) twins, dizygotic (DZ) twins, full biological siblings, and their best friends from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (Add Health). Whether the resemblance between MZ twins' friends is larger than that between friends of DZ twins and full siblings is investigated with respect to 4 individual traits or behaviors: grade point average (GPA), AHPVT (the version Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test [PPVT] designed for Add Health), aggressive behavior, and depression. Our hypothesis is supported in analyses among same-sex friends (not among different-sex friends) for GPA, aggressive behavior, and AHPVT.