Frank Vitaro
Papers
1
Total Citations
7
H-Index
1
About
Frank Vitaro is a leading developmental psychologist whose research illuminates how genetic, environmental, and social factors shape child and adolescent adjustment, particularly in the realms of aggression, substance use, and mental health. A pioneer in the study of gene–environment interactions, Vitaro’s work has demonstrated how temperamental vulnerabilities—such as impulsivity or anxiety—interact with parenting, peer influences, and socioeconomic contexts to predict outcomes like conduct problems and internalizing disorders. His highly cited studies, including the 2022 paper on the gene–environment etiology of freezing responses and their link to adolescent internalizing symptoms (7+ citations), exemplify his commitment to understanding the biological underpinnings of stress reactivity. With a career spanning decades, Vitaro has co-authored over 300 publications, earning tens of thousands of citations, and has been instrumental in longitudinal projects like the Quebec Newborn Twin Study. His contributions have advanced prevention science, informing interventions that target early risk mechanisms. For students and researchers, Vitaro’s work offers a masterclass in integrating behavior genetics, developmental psychopathology, and real-world application.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
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