Social Network Analysis of Risk behavior in Early adolescence (SNARE) Genetics

We know from prior research that engagement in risk behaviors such as
delinquency and substance use is relativey common and typically has its onset
in adolescence. Prior research has shown that both peers and genetic effects
are important antecedents of such risk behaviours. However, no empirical
research has been carried out to date that comprehensively examined the
interplay between measured genetic effects and young adolescents* peer
networks. That is, to understand the effects of peers and to disentangle
whether peer influence changes adolescents* involvement in risk behaviours or
whether individual engagement in risk behaviour affects one*s selection into
specific peer affiliations, longitudinal social network analyses are required.
These have rarely been combined with measured genetic information before (not
for this age group and including only a small selection of peers); we thus lack
comprehensive insight into whether genetic effects drive peer selection and
influence on a larger scale.

The main objective of this study is to collect DNA within the frame of an
existent study to bring together detailed, longitudinal data about adolescents*
risk behaviors and peer relationship networks with information on genetic
markers. Proposed analyses will include general replications of prior findings
on genetic moderation of peer effects using more sophisticated and less biased
methodology. Expecting further advances in the study of genetics within social
science contexts, we propose to examine biological pathways through which
measured/candidate genes affect associations between adolescents* social
networks and their behavior.
The SNARE study is particularly suited to meet this objective. Adolescents have
been studied with regard to their peer relations and engagement in risk
behaviours since they were approximately 12 years old. The next important step
is to collect DNA from these adolescents to determine the role of genetic
effects in adolescent-peer-risk behaviour relations. In detail, we will focus
on the role of candidate genes and polygenic scores that have been found to
affect associations between peer environment and adolescent behaviour and
examine whether these genes and gene scores also moderate associations if peer
effects are measured within a social network framework. We have no plans for
carrying out genome-wide association studies (GWAS). However, we will
collaborate with other researchers should plans emerge to pool samples for
GWAS.

SNARE participants and their parents will be contacted through an information
letter send to their home address and asked whether they are willing to
volunteer in the DNA data collection. Parents (or respondent themselves if 18
years old or older) are required to return completed consent forms by mail. We
will follow up on non-responding adolescents by mail (reminder postcard) to
avoid selective non-response. DNA will be collected individually in home
visits. Home visits for data collection will take place during spring 2016 and
will be conducted by trained research assistants who are knowledgeable about
the use of genetic information in social science studies and can answer any
remaining questions by parents or adolescents on the spot. Buccal swab kits
will be marked with the study id number of the SNARE participant but no other
identifying information.

The collection of buccal swabs takes a few minutes, is pain free and
non-invasive. No risk to participants is known. Extensive information about the
importance of inclusion of genetic data into social science studies will be
provided to parents and participants. Participants and parents are encouraged
to contact the research team with any questions that may arise.