Jaffee et al. (2002, 2004a, b) have used twin designs to test for genetic and environmental mediation of the relationship between childhood maltreatment and conduct problems. Results of a bivariate genetic model indicated that most of the moderate observed association between corporal punishment and children’s antisocial behavior was due to common genetic factors, suggesting that caregivers respond to children’s genetically influenced antisocial behavior with corporal punishment (Jaffee et al. 2004a).
