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How do our genes influence our behavior, sexuality, and personalities? If you're interested in this question, you may also want to check out these categories: Ethics and Eugenics.

Last updated: February 19, 2005

Topic In-Depth

• Sally Lehrman gives an overview of the science and social issues surrounding behavioral genetics. In this article, she summarizes well-publicized research, gives historical context to sensitive eugenic issues in behavioral genetics, and describes the science behind behavioral genetics. Read the article.

Radio Program

• DNA & Behavior - Is Our Fate in Our Genes? (first distributed in November 1998)

• Human Genome Project Information on Behavioral Genetics. Human Genome Project, Ethical, Legal and Social Issues Committee.
  
  This is a rich site including links to genetic news, information and resources. Experts answers questions including, "What is behavioral genetics?" "What indications are there that behavior has a biological basis?" "How is behavioral genetics studied?" and "What implications does behavioral genetics research have for society?"
  
  
• Behavioral Genetics: An introduction to how genes and environments interact through development to shape differences in mood, personality, and intelligence. AAAS, 2004
  
  A layperson's introduction to Behavioral Genetics, using fictional vignettes and a glossary of key words and concepts. From the Behavioral Genetics Project at the American Association for the Advancement of Science and the Hastings Center.
  
  
• "Genetic Differences and Human Identities." Special supplement, Hastings Center Report, January–February 2004
  
  What links have scientists found between genes and behavior? And how do these links shape our "identities"?
  
  
• Image Archive on the American Eugenics Movement. Dolan DNA Learning Center, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory
  
  "Essay 4: Traits studied in this image archive includes highlights and images pertaining to the history of behavioral genetics, including Francis Galton's Studies of Hereditary Genius (1869) and Davenport's The Trait Book (1912).
  
  
• National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) Genetics Workgroup
  
  NIDA's Genetics Workgroup funds research into the genetic variants that increase susceptibility to addiction. Look here for one indication of the U.S. Government's priorities for addiction genetics research.

• "Toward Behavioral Genomics." Science, Volume 291:1232-49, February 16, 2001
  
  Authors Peter McGuffin, Brien Riley and Robert Plomin explore how the ultimate availability of complete genome sequences from many individuals may help bring to light the genetic basis of behavior.
  
  
• "Learning about Addiction from the Genome." Nature, Volume 409:834-835, February 15, 2001
  
  Authors Eric J. Nestler and David Landsman illustrate the potential impact of having access to a draft sequence of the human genome on our knowledge of the genetic basis of behavior by searching for genes that mediate desensitization to drugs.
  
  
• "Genes & Behavior: A complex relationship." Judicature, Volume 83, November - December 1999.
  
  Author Joseph McInerney gives a brief overview of the history of behavioral genetics, describes challenges in studying the genetic basis of behavior, and summarizes basic research methods in behavioral genetics. His take-home message: "The debate about nature vs. nurture is empty; the prevailing view is one of how nature and nurture contribute to the individuality of behavior"
  
  
• "The Impact of Behavioral Genetics on Law and the Courts." Judicature, Volume 83, November - December 1999
  
  Author Mark Rothstein discusses genetic determinism and the law.
  
  
• Alcoholism: Is it Inherited? About.com
  
  Summaries of research into the genetic components of alcoholism.
  
  
• What is Addiction?
  
  For the basics on genetics and addiction, try this collection of articles.

Professional Associations

• Behavior Genetics Association
  
  The purpose of this professional association, as stated on their website, is "to promote scientific study of the interrelationship of genetic mechanisms and behavior, both human and animal; to encourage and aid the education and training of research workers in the field of behavior genetics; and to aid in the dissemination and interpretation to the general public of knowledge concerning the interrelationship of genetics and behavior, and its implications for health and human development and education."
  
  
• Statement on Behavioral Genetics. American Society for Human Genetics (ASHG), 1997
  
  Research methods used to elucidate the genetic basis of behaviors are described. Ethical and social issues, including genetic counseling, studies of small group differences and scientists' responsibilities are also discussed.

Books

• The Clash of Culture and Biology by Ronald A. Carson and Mark A. Rothstein (eds.). Johns Hopkins University Press, 1999
  
  Experts address the cultural, legal, and biological underpinnings of behavioral genetics, focusing on "the quality of the science behind behavioral genetics claims" and "the need to formulate an appropriate, ethically defensible response when the science is valid."
  
  
• Behavioral Genetics by Robert Plomin (Ed.), John C. Defries, Gerald E. McClearn and Peter McGuffin. Worth Publishers, NY, 2001
  
  This text is intended to introduce students in the behavioral, biological, and social sciences to the field of behavioral genetics.
  
  
• Living With Our Genes: Why They Matter More Than You Think by Dean H. Hamer and Peter Copeland. Anchor Books, 1999
  
  The authors survey what was known, by 1999, about the genetic basis of behavior and personality.