The Structure of the Genetic and Environmental Influences on Mental Well-Being

• Authors: Corey Keyes, Emory University; John M. Myers, Virginia Commonwealth University; Kenneth S. Kendler, Virginia Commonwealth University
• Journal Title: American Journal of Public Health
• Volume: Volume 100, Number 12
• Publisher: American Public Health Association | 2010-12, Pages 2379-2384
• Type of Work: Article | Post-print: After Peer Review
• Publisher DOI: http://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2010.193615
• Subjects: Biology, Genetics; Sociology, General; Health Sciences, Public Health

Abstract

Objectives: We sought to investigate the structure of the genetic and environmental influences on 3 measures of mental well-being. Methods: Analyses focused on the subsample of 349 monozygotic and 321 dizygotic same-sex twin pairs from a nationally representative sample of twins who completed self-report measures of emotional, psychological, and social well-being. Results: The best-fit model contained a common pathway to all 3 measures of well-being, no shared environmental effects, and 1 set of parameters for men and women. Heritability for the latent “mental well-being” factor was high (72%) and best indexed by psychological well-being. Moderate trait-specific genetic effects were seen for emotional and social well-being. Nonshared environmental effects for all measures were mostly trait specific. Conclusions: Genetic influences on the measures of mental well-being reflect a single, highly heritable genetic factor, although some trait-specific genetic influences were seen for emotional and social well-being. Moderate proportions of environmental influences were also shared, but the majority of unique environment was trait-specific.