Past Studies

HORMONES, BEHAVIOR AND BRAIN ACTIVITY ACROSS THE MENSTRUAL CYCLE (FMRI)

This study investigates systematic changes in ovarian hormones (e.g., estrogen and progesterone), behavior, and brain activity across the menstrual cycle in identical and fraternal female twins between the ages of 16-30 years. The aim of the study was to explore how mood and behavior may be influenced by the activation of neural systems during different phases of the menstrual cycle, and how these associations may be influenced by genes. This study was directed by Dr. Kelly Klump and Dr. Jason Moser. 

A Twin study of mood, behavior, and hormones during puberty

This study examined the influence of hormonal, genetic, and environmental factors on a range of psychological characteristics (e.g., mood, eating attitudes and behaviors, personality characteristics) during puberty in identical and fraternal female twins between the ages of 8-15 years. This study was directed by Dr. Kelly Klump.

Adolescent Twin Study of Eating, Mood, and Hormones

This study examined adolescent male and female twins between the ages of 10 and 15 years to investigate whether mood, attentional abilities, and psychological characteristics are related to hormone levels during puberty.  A secondary aim was to determine whether relationships among these factors are influenced by genes.  This study was directed by Dr. Kelly Klump.

Adult Twin Study of Personality and Behavioral Adjustment

This study examined genetic and environmental influences on a range of personality characteristics and behaviors in male and female twins aged 18-30 years.  This study was directed by Dr. Kelly Klump.

bloodspot environmental epidemiology project (BLEEP)

In conjunction with The Twin Study of Behavioral and Emotional Development in Children (TBED-C), this study investigated the influence of environmental risk factors (such as neighborhood context, etc.) and gene expression on the behaviors and moods of twins, ages 6-10 years old, and their non-twin siblings. This study was directed by Dr. S. Alexandra Burt.

Brain Activity Study

This study investigated the relationship between brain activity, genes, and the environment and recruited late adolescent/early adult twins from the MSUTR to help accomplish this goal.  This study was directed by Dr. Jason Moser in the Department of Psychology at MSU.

Outcomes, Wellness and Life Course in Cerebral Palsy (OWL)

The OWL project studied the origins of cerebral palsy and recruited twin pairs, ages 3-15 years, from the MSUTR to help accomplish this goal.  This project was directed by Dr. Nigel Paneth in the Department of Epidemiology at MSU.

The Twin Study of behavioral and emotional development in children (tbed-C)

Research has found that exposure to environmental risk factors (such as peer pressure, etc.) increases acting-out behaviors and depressed mood during childhood. However, not every child who is exposed to these risk factors goes on to engage in these behaviors. One possible explanation is that environmental risk may interact with genetic predispositions to increase these behaviors.  The TBED-C study assessed twin children, 6 to 10 years of age, and their primary caregivers to help examine such possibilities. This study was directed by Dr. S. Alexandra Burt.