Genetic susceptibility to peers

Genetically informed research on peer relationships demonstrates that selection and socialization processes that drive peer similarity are influenced by genetic variance. Specifically, who adolescents choose to befriend and the degree to which peers influence their behavior have genetic (as well as environmental) underpinnings. This chapter provides a summary of the basic principles of gene-environment interplay and highlights the connection between early behavioral genetic studies and subsequent molecular genetic research. This historical backdrop informs a set of four gene-by-environment interaction (GxE) studies involving peer relations using data from the genetic extension of PROSPER (gPROSPER). Guided by differential susceptibility theory, the purpose of these four studies was to investigate if individual differences in susceptibility to peer influence were related to genetic variability. Implications of these studies are discussed as well as areas for future research and advancements in the GxE research field.