Faculty

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Burt S. Alexandra Burt
Associate Professor
Ph.D. University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Clinical Psychology/Behavioral Genetics 2004
Masters University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Clinical Psychology/Behavioral Genetics 2001
Bachelors Emory University, Atlanta, GA, Psychology & History 1996
Primary Program: Clinical
107D Psychology
(517) 432-5618
burts@msu.edu


Research Statement
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Dr. Burt’s research focuses on understanding the role of gene-environment interplay in the development of aggressive and rule-breaking behaviors (collectively referred to as antisocial behaviors) across the lifespan. In particular, she is interested in how the environment may effectively turn genes for antisocial behavior on and/or off. She is also exploring possible sub-types within the broader construct of antisocial behavior, as these may be relevant moderators of gene-environment interplay. She makes use of a number of interrelated research strategies: molecular genetic approaches, twin approaches, examinations of the role of hormone levels, and explorations of environmental influences, personality, and emotion. Because the origins of antisocial behavior vary with age and development, her lab conducts studies in children, adolescents, college students, and adults, including the recently adjudicated.


Related Research Websites
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Michigan State University Twin Registry In sum, the MSUTR research will allow for better understanding of the environmental, genetic and neurobiological factors that influence psychological functioning and behavior. Our research will aid in the identification of the origins of internalizing and externalizing symptoms, ultimately informing treatment and prevention efforts.


Research Publications    
  Title 
2010Klump, K.L., Keel, P.K., Sisk, C.L., & Burt, S.A. (2010). Preliminary evidence that estradiol moderates genetic effects on disordered eating attitudes and behaviors during puberty. Psychological Medicine, 40(10), 1745-1754
2010Klump, K.L., Burt, S.A., Spanos, A., McGue, M., Iacono, W.G., & Wade, T.M. (2010). Age differences in genetic and environmental influences on weight and shape concerns. International Journal of Eating Disorders, 43, 679-688.
2010Spanos, A., Klump, K.L., Burt, S.A., McGue, M., & Iacono, W.G. (2010). Nonshared environment and disordered eating: A longitudinal investigation of parent-child conflict. Journal of Abnormal Psychology, 119(2), 293-299.
2009Burt, S.A. & Neiderhiser, J.M. (2009). Aggressive versus non-aggressive antisocial behavior: Distinctive etiological moderation by age. Developmental Psychology, 45, 1164-1176.
2009Burt, S.A. (2009). A mechanistic explanation of popularity: Genes, rule-breaking, and evocative gene-environment correlations. Journal of Personality & Social Psychology, 96, 783-794.
2009Burt, S.A. & Donnellan, M.B. (2009). Development and validation of the Sub-Types of Antisocial Behavior questionnaire (STAB). Aggressive Behavior, 35, 376-398.
2009Klump, K.L., Suisman, J., Burt, S.A., McGue, M., & Iacono, W.G. (2009). Genetic and environmental influences on eating disorder symptoms: An adoption study. Journal of Abnormal Psychology, 118(4), 797-805.
2009Hopwood, C.J., Burt, S.A., Markowitz, J.C., Yen, S., Shea, M.T., Sanislow, C.A., Grilo, C.M., McGlashan, T.H., Gunderson, J.G., Zanarini, M.C., Skodol, A.E., & Morey, L.C. (2009). The construct validity of rule breaking and aggression in an adult clinical sample. Journal of Psychiatric Research, 43, 803-808.
2009Burt, S.A. (2009). Are there meaningful etiological differences within antisocial behavior? Results of a meta-analysis. Clinical Psychology Review, 29, 163-178.
2009Burt, S.A. (2009). Rethinking environmental contributions to child and adolescent psychopathology: A meta-analysis of shared environmental influences. Psychological Bulletin, 135, 608-637.