Parental negativity is associated with a variety of negative outcomes (Rutter et al. 1998), and negative life events are associated with various emotional and behavioural problems (Rowe et al. 2006). As such understanding the role of genetic factors in exposure to such putative environmental risk factors is an important task for researchers. In the present study we have shown that only by considering the accumulative effects of multiple problem behaviours is it possible to understand the role of genetic factors in exposure to environmental stressors. We hope that the present study will assist future researchers in elucidating possible pathways from gene to environment.
