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51. DiLalla, L. F., & Falligant, E. L. (1995). An environmental and behavior genetic perspective on behavioral inhibition in toddlers. In L. F. DiLalla & S. C. Dollinger (Eds.), The assessment of biological mechanisms across the lifespan (pp 91-117). NJ: Erlbaum Press.In this study, twins were examined in a peer play situation. Identical
twins were more similar to each other in terms of inhibited behavior than
were fraternal twins. At 24 months the heritability was approximately
60%, suggesting that at this age genetic effects are more important than
environmental effects. At 36 months the heritability estimate dropped
to 30%. At the older age the twins were separated from each other during
the play session and similarity for both fraternal and identical twins
decreased substantially. The finding that both types of twins were more
similar when they were in the playroom together implies that the twins
positively affect each other when playing, such that one twin augments
the other twin's shyness. This was even more true for identical twins
than fraternal, which is why the heritability for this behavior was so
much higher at the younger age. |