In the present study we set out to investigate the heritability of maternal negativity, paternal negativity and negative life events in an adolescent twin sample. As has been reported previously in this sample (Button et al. 2008) and others (Kendler et al. 1993; Plomin et al. 1990; Saudino et al. 1997), all 3 measures are heritable. Multivariate genetic analyses revealed that this heritability could be accounted for by the association of these environmental stressors with common behavioural and emotional difficulties experienced during adolescence.
