Behavioral and Brain Sciences



Continuing Commentary
Linda Mealey (1995). The sociobiology of sociopathy: An integrated evolutionary model. BBS 18:523–599.

Heritability estimates provide a crumbling foundation


Scott F. Stoltenberg a1
a1 Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan, Alcohol Research Center, Ann Arbor, MI 48108-3318 sstolten@umich.edu www.personal.umich.edu/~sstolten/

Abstract

When Genotype × Environment (G × E) interactions are present, heritability estimates are not interpretable. Mealey cites abundant evidence for G × E interactions in the etiology of sociopathy, thereby completely undermining estimates of the heritability of sociopathy which form the foundation of her model. Without proper evidence for a genetic basis of sociopathy, Mealey's sociobiological model collapses under its own great weight.