Behavior Genetics Principles: Perspectives in Development, Personality, and Psychopathology (Decade of Behavior) » (New Edition)

DiLalla (School of Medicine, Southern Illinois University) presents work that addresses both historical and novel approaches to the study of genetic and environmental influences on behavior. Contributors use behavior genetics as a means for understanding the etiology of mental illness as well as normal development, exploring the connections between genes, personality, development, and psychopathology. Much of the material presented draws on the work of Irving I. Gottesman, a pioneer in behavioral genetics research. Annotation ©2004 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR

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Reviewer:Michael Joel Schrift, D.O., M.A.(University of Illinois at Chicago College of Medicine)
Description:This is an excellent and interesting new book focusing on the behavioral genetics of psychopathology. It is a tribute to Dr. Irving I. Gottesman, who has been a major influence in the fields of developmental psychology and behavioral genetics, and is based upon a conference dedicated to Dr. Gottesman and his life's work. Written and edited by internationally recognized researchers in the field, the book is a most valuable contribution to psychology and psychiatry.
Purpose:The purpose is to reflect Dr. Gottesman's influence on the work of his former students and colleagues on the behavioral genetics of psychopathology.
Audience:The intended audience is researchers working in the field of the genetics of personality, schizophrenia, and mood disorders. Graduate students in psychology who are interested in this fascinating area would benefit from this book. Those who want to begin to understand the interactive relationship between genetics, shared and nonshared environment in personality and psychopathology would deepen their knowledge in this area by reading this book.
Features:The book is divided into five parts and 14 chapters, including author and subject indexes. Part 1 is an overview chapter focusing on the past, present, and future issues in behavior genetics. Part 2 reviews developmental genetic issues with chapters on temperament, initiation of substance abuse, and health and marital status. Part 3 summarizes the literature on personality and genetics. Part 4 includes chapters on the genetics of depression and schizophrenia. The final section of the book focuses on the future with informative chapters on molecular genetics.
Assessment:This book represents the outstanding contribution of Dr. Gottesman's body of literature to the genetics of psychiatric disorders. I highly recommend it.