{"id":23690,"date":"2025-05-05T21:59:08","date_gmt":"2025-05-05T21:59:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.tun.com\/home\/?p=23690"},"modified":"2025-05-05T22:01:08","modified_gmt":"2025-05-05T22:01:08","slug":"new-insights-on-how-romantic-partners-influence-genetic-risk-for-alcohol-problems","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.tun.com\/home\/new-insights-on-how-romantic-partners-influence-genetic-risk-for-alcohol-problems\/","title":{"rendered":"New Insights on How Romantic Partners Influence Genetic Risk for Alcohol Problems"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-blockquote uagb-block-e7eb3fc3 uagb-blockquote__skin-border uagb-blockquote__stack-img-none\"><blockquote class=\"uagb-blockquote\"><div class=\"uagb-blockquote__content\">A new study led by Virginia Commonwealth University and Rutgers University reveals that romantic partners can significantly influence an individual\u2019s genetic risk for alcohol misuse, underscoring the importance of partner traits in health outcomes.<\/div><footer><div class=\"uagb-blockquote__author-wrap uagb-blockquote__author-at-left\"><\/div><\/footer><\/blockquote><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-content-justification-space-between is-nowrap is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-b0ffac9c wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\"><div style=\"font-size:16px\" class=\"has-text-align-left wp-block-post-author\"><div class=\"wp-block-post-author__content\"><p class=\"wp-block-post-author__name\">The University Network<\/p><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-social-share uagb-social-share__outer-wrap uagb-social-share__layout-horizontal uagb-block-ee584a31\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-social-share-child uagb-ss-repeater uagb-ss__wrapper uagb-block-ec619ce7\"><span class=\"uagb-ss__link\" data-href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/sharer.php?u=\" tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\" aria-label=\"facebook\"><span class=\"uagb-ss__source-wrap\"><span class=\"uagb-ss__source-icon\"><svg xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 512 512\"><path d=\"M504 256C504 119 393 8 256 8S8 119 8 256c0 123.8 90.69 226.4 209.3 245V327.7h-63V256h63v-54.64c0-62.15 37-96.48 93.67-96.48 27.14 0 55.52 4.84 55.52 4.84v61h-31.28c-30.8 0-40.41 19.12-40.41 38.73V256h68.78l-11 71.69h-57.78V501C413.3 482.4 504 379.8 504 256z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-social-share-child uagb-ss-repeater uagb-ss__wrapper uagb-block-32d99934\"><span class=\"uagb-ss__link\" data-href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/share?url=\" tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\" aria-label=\"twitter\"><span class=\"uagb-ss__source-wrap\"><span class=\"uagb-ss__source-icon\"><svg xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 512 512\"><path d=\"M389.2 48h70.6L305.6 224.2 487 464H345L233.7 318.6 106.5 464H35.8L200.7 275.5 26.8 48H172.4L272.9 180.9 389.2 48zM364.4 421.8h39.1L151.1 88h-42L364.4 421.8z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-social-share-child uagb-ss-repeater uagb-ss__wrapper uagb-block-1d136f14\"><span class=\"uagb-ss__link\" data-href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/shareArticle?url=\" tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\" aria-label=\"linkedin\"><span class=\"uagb-ss__source-wrap\"><span class=\"uagb-ss__source-icon\"><svg xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\"><path d=\"M416 32H31.9C14.3 32 0 46.5 0 64.3v383.4C0 465.5 14.3 480 31.9 480H416c17.6 0 32-14.5 32-32.3V64.3c0-17.8-14.4-32.3-32-32.3zM135.4 416H69V202.2h66.5V416zm-33.2-243c-21.3 0-38.5-17.3-38.5-38.5S80.9 96 102.2 96c21.2 0 38.5 17.3 38.5 38.5 0 21.3-17.2 38.5-38.5 38.5zm282.1 243h-66.4V312c0-24.8-.5-56.7-34.5-56.7-34.6 0-39.9 27-39.9 54.9V416h-66.4V202.2h63.7v29.2h.9c8.9-16.8 30.6-34.5 62.9-34.5 67.2 0 79.7 44.3 79.7 101.9V416z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A collaborative study led by researchers at Virginia Commonwealth University and Rutgers University has unveiled crucial insights into how romantic relationships significantly affect an individual&#8217;s genetic propensity for alcohol misuse. <a href=\"https:\/\/journals.sagepub.com\/doi\/abs\/10.1177\/21677026251332931\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">Published<\/a> on May 5 in Clinical Psychological Science, the study highlights the intersection of romantic partners&#8217; habits, personality traits and mental health on a person&#8217;s likelihood to engage in binge drinking.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">&#8220;This research sheds new light on the complicated and unforeseen ways that spouses and long-term partners can shape our health and well-being,&#8221; Mallory Stephenson, a postdoctoral fellow at the Virginia Institute for Psychiatric and Behavioral Genetics within the VCU School of Medicine, said in a news release. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Stephenson co-led the study with Jessica E. Salvatore, who was previously at VCU and is now\u00a0an associate professor of psychiatry at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Genetic Risks and Environments<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">While genetics account for approximately 50% of an individual&#8217;s risk for developing alcohol use disorder (AUD) and associated risky drinking behaviors, the study reveals how environmental factors \u2014 especially the traits of long-term partners \u2014 can either mitigate or exacerbate this predisposition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">&#8220;For example, if a person has a high genetic risk for alcohol use disorder and experiences a traumatic event, such as the death of a close relative or exposure to a natural disaster, their biology could play more of a role in whether or not they develop an alcohol problem in response to that stressor,&#8221; Stephenson said. \u201cHowever, if that person isn\u2019t experiencing anything stressful in their life, their genetic risk may not have as much influence on their drinking behavior.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Influence of Romantic Partners<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The research builds on <a href=\"https:\/\/news.vcu.edu\/article\/romantic_partnerships_mitigate_influence_of_genetic_predisposition\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">previous VCU-led studie<\/a>s that found being in a relationship can reduce the likelihood of frequent drinking and intoxication for those genetically predisposed to risky alcohol behavior. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This new study delves deeper to identify specific partner traits that influence drinking behavior.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The researchers drew data from the FinnTwin16 study, a longitudinal study of twins in Finland. They analyzed survey responses from 1,620 twins and their partners, focusing on drinking habits, smoking, personality characteristics and mental health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">&#8220;By studying fraternal twins, which share 50% of their genetic makeup, and identical twins, which share 100% of their genetic makeup, we can gain insights into how genetic and environmental factors interact with each other and play a role in developing certain behaviors,&#8221; added Stephenson.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Findings and Implications<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The study confirmed that individuals in early midlife are likelier to consume alcohol and binge drink if their partners have frequent drinking or smoking habits. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Interestingly, the team uncovered that genetic risk for binge drinking is more pronounced in persons whose partners exhibit higher smoking frequency, lower conscientiousness, higher extroversion, or increased neuroticism or psychological distress.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Surprisingly, the heritability of binge drinking appeared to have less effect when partners reported more frequent alcohol use, which shifted the research team\u2019s focus on understanding environmental influences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">&#8220;We didn\u2019t expect to see this result; however, we think this could mean that the drinking behavior of romantic partners could have a larger effect on a person\u2019s environmental influences rather than their genetic influences,&#8221; Stephenson added.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Clinical Applications<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The findings have practical implications for couples therapy and interventions targeting alcohol misuse, emphasizing not just relationship dynamics but also the personal characteristics of each partner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cEven if you have a good relationship with your partner, this research shows that their substance use, personality traits and mental health can still have an impact on you,\u201d added Stephenson.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Future Research<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The researchers are now exploring how relationship dynamics and parenthood might further influence an individual&#8217;s drinking patterns. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Funded by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism and the Academy of Finland, this study offers a new lens to understand the complexities of genetic and environmental interplay in alcohol consumption behaviors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:12px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Source:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/news.vcu.edu\/article\/2025\/05\/traits-in-romantic-partners-can-amplify-the-impact-of-a-persons-risk-for-alcohol-problems\" title=\"\">Virginia Commonwealth University<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>A collaborative study led by researchers at Virginia Commonwealth University and Rutgers University has unveiled crucial insights into how romantic relationships significantly affect an individual&#8217;s genetic propensity for alcohol misuse. Published on May 5 in Clinical Psychological Science, the study highlights the intersection of romantic partners&#8217; habits, personality traits and mental health on a person&#8217;s [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"single-no-separators","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_uag_custom_page_level_css":"","_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[25],"tags":[333,296,332,100,331],"class_list":["post-23690","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-science","tag-indiana-university","tag-rutgers-university","tag-suny-downstate-health-sciences-university","tag-university-of-helsinki","tag-virginia-commonwealth-university"],"acf":[],"aioseo_notices":[],"uagb_featured_image_src":{"full":false,"thumbnail":false,"medium":false,"medium_large":false,"large":false,"1536x1536":false,"2048x2048":false},"uagb_author_info":{"display_name":"The University Network","author_link":"https:\/\/www.tun.com\/home\/author\/funky_junkie\/"},"uagb_comment_info":0,"uagb_excerpt":"A collaborative study led by researchers at Virginia Commonwealth University and Rutgers University has unveiled crucial insights into how romantic relationships significantly affect an individual&#8217;s genetic propensity for alcohol misuse. Published on May 5 in Clinical Psychological Science, the study highlights the intersection of romantic partners&#8217; habits, personality traits and mental health on a person&#8217;s&hellip;","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.tun.com\/home\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23690","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.tun.com\/home\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.tun.com\/home\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.tun.com\/home\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.tun.com\/home\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=23690"}],"version-history":[{"count":10,"href":"https:\/\/www.tun.com\/home\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23690\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":23709,"href":"https:\/\/www.tun.com\/home\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23690\/revisions\/23709"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.tun.com\/home\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=23690"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.tun.com\/home\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=23690"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.tun.com\/home\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=23690"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}