Vink et al.

• Aim


  To look at genetic influences in nicotine dependence as previous research had not addressed this area adequately.
• Procedure


  • Netherland's twin register - source sample
  • families with adolescents from 1991
  • 1572 Dutch twins - 868 monozygotic male and female twins - 704 dizygotic male and female twins.
  • Longitudinal research 1991 - 2000 (data collected every 2-3 years)
  • Classification categories - non-smokers who had never smoked and smokers.
  • Completed FTND (Fagerstrom test for nicotine dependence) - evaluates quantity of cigarette consumption, the compulsion to use, and dependence.
• Findings


  44% of respondents in the smoker's classification had a genetic disposition to smoking

  56% of respondents in the smoker' group were influenced to smoke because of environmental factors (peer pressure, stress)
• Conclusion


  Link between genetic disposition and substance dependence is scientifically established.

  Study claimed there were 2 main routes to non-smoking

  1. Individual had no genetic disposition to smoking
  2. individual can manage stressful situations without dependence on nicotine
• Evaluation (strengths)


  Longitudinal research - useful in identifying trends and patterns in respondents' relationship with smoking as research lasted several years

  Scientific controls in place (FTND test) so participants relationship with smoking could be verified/proven
• Evaluation (weaknesses)


  Population validity - sample was limited to adolescents

  Generalisation to whole population can not be established