Though the idea that the genetic diathesis, or risk, for AUDs might be mediated by personality was first proposed by Cloninger (1987), the genetic correlation between personality and AUDs was first demonstrated by Slutske et al. (2002). Using data from over three-thousand twin pairs, Slutske et al. found that genetic variance in behavioral undercontrol (i.e., traits related to impulsiveness, novelty seeking, nonconformity, and aggressiveness; Sher, 1991) accounted for approximately 40% of the genetic variation in alcohol dependence. Conversely, genetic variation in negative emotionality only accounted for a modest (though significant) 4% of genetic variation in alcohol dependence in men, and failed to significantly account for a significant portion of alcohol dependence in women. The finding that genetic influences contributing to behavioral undercontrol substantially overlap with the genetic diathesis of AUDs suggests that common genetic factors of both impulsive personality configurations and AUDs may be identified (see Integrating Developmental Models of Alcohol, Personality, and Relevant Mediators section below). It also suggests that part of the genetic influence on the development of AUDs is not specific to alcohol use disorders and likely
