Genetic and environmental influences on adolescent attachment

Abstract

Background Twin studies consistently point to limited genetic influence on attachment security in the infancy period, but no study has examined whether this remains the case in later development. This study presents the findings from a twin study examining the relative importance of genetic and environmental influences on attachment in adolescence. Methods The sample included 551 twin pairs aged 15 years recruited from the larger Twins Early Development Study (TEDS). Attachment was assessed using a semistructured interview, the Child Attachment Interview. Results We found robust associations between MZ twins' scores for Coherence and their overall security of attachment (r =.42, p