Genes May Explain Why Children Who Live Without Dads Have Earlier Sex
Monday, September 21, 2009 - 11:28
in Psychology & Sociology
Using data from the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth, researchers used a novel and complex study design to better understand the association between fathers' absence and children's sexuality. Contrary to previous research, this study shows that the association can be best explained by genetic influences. The researchers also suggest that, while there's no "father absence gene," there are genetic contributions to traits in both moms and dads that increase the likelihood of earlier sexual behavior in children.