| About 5 % of the Dutch population of children and adolescents shows externalising behavioral problems. This behavior causes a great stress for the children and their environment. It can cause problems in cognitive functioning and learning and it can lead to other riscbehavior like substance abuse. In several studies evidence is found for the genetic influences in problembehavior. By using twins as researchgroup we can estimate the importance of genetic and environmental influences on problem behavior. In this research we will look at the genetics of problembehavior in attention. In a group of 12 year old twins we will collect behavior questionnaires. The Child Behavior Check List is a list about the frequency of problembehavior filled in by the parents. A similar list exists for teachers, the Teacher Report Form. Also the children fill in a Youth Self Report. Because attentional problembehavior is the mainsubject of this study the children get an IQ test and neuro psychological tests. This test measures concentration, attention, memory and informationprocessing. At the age of 5 the twins have done the same tests. By comparing the results of 7 years ago with the results of the present study we can get a clear view on the development of attention in these children. |
