Kristen C. Jacobson, Ph.D

Kristen C. Jacobson, Ph.D
Assistant Professor of Psychiatry
Associate Director of Twin Projects, CNPRU

University of Chicago
Department of Psychiatry
5841 South Maryland Avenue
Chicago, IL 60637

Tel: 773-834-0265
Fax: 773-834-4536
Email: kjacobso@bsd.uchicago.edu

Curriculum Vitae

View or download CV in PDF format.

Research Interests

My primary research interests are in how genetic and environmental influences interact in the development of antisocial behavior. I am especially interested in 1) how genes and environments may have differential impact on individual differences at different times in the life course; 2) whether there is genetic heterogeneity of antisocial behavior; and 3) in gene X environment interactions. I currently have a Mentored Scientist Career Development Award from NIMH to investigate potential biological endophenotypes for antisocial behavior. In addition, I am involved in research on related phenotypes, such as substance use, and in the comorbidity of antisocial behavior with other psychiatric disorders. I am currently accepting applications for post-doctoral positions, with a special focus on applicants interested in the development of antisocial behavior and/or in health-related outcomes in adult twins.

Current Studies

Genetics of vulnerability to antisocial behavior (Principal Investigator)

Understanding influences on comorbidity between antisocial behavior and major depressive disorder (Principal Investigator)

Competitive renewal for a Twin-Family Study of drug use, abuse, and dependence (Co-Principal Investigator)

The VETSA longitudinal twin study of cortisol and aging (Principal Investigator)

Development of problem behavior: Biology, genes and environment (Principal Investigator)

Axis I and Axis II psychiatric disorders in Norwegian Twins (Co-Investigator)

Selected Publications

Jacobson, K.C., & Rowe, D.C. (1999). Genetic and environmental influences on the relationships between family connectedness, school connectedness, and adolescent depressed mood: Sex differences. Developmental Psychology, 35, 926-939. Abstract

Rowe, D.C., Almeida, D.M., & Jacobson, K.C. (1999). School context and genetic influences on aggression in adolescence. Psychological Science, 10, 277-280. Abstract

Jacobson, K.C., & Crockett, L.J. (2000). Parental monitoring and adolescent adjustment: An ecological approach. Journal of Research on Adolescence, 10, 65-97. Abstract

Jacobson, K.C., Prescott, C.A., Neale, M. C., & Kendler, K.S. (2000). Cohort differences in genetic and environmental influences on retrospective reports of conduct disorder among adult male twins. Psychological Medicine, 30, 775-787. Abstract

Jacobson, K.C., & Rowe, D.C. (2000). Nature, nurture, and the development of criminality. In J. F. Sheley (Ed.) Criminology: A contemporary handbook (3rd Edition). Wadsworth Publishing Company. Abstract

Jacobson, K.C., Prescott, C.A., & Kendler, K.S. (2002). Sex differences in genetic and environmental influences on antisocial behavior from childhood to adulthood. Development and Psychopathology, 14, 395-416. Abstract

Crider, A., Kremen, W.S., Xian, H., Jacobson, K.C., Waterman, B., Eisen, S.A., Tsuang, M.T., & Lyons, M.J. (2004). Stability, consistency, and heritability of electrodermal response lability in middle-aged Male Twins. Psychophysiology, 51, 501-509. Abstract

Jacobson, K.C. (2005). Genetic influence on the development of antisocial behavior. In K. Kendler & L. Eaves (Eds) New Directions for Psychiatric Genetics. Washington, DC: American Psychiatric Press, Incorporated. Abstract