Mental health problems run in families, a fact that has long been known. However, it is not clear to what extent this reflects the influence of nature (genetic factors) or nurture (environmental factors). A recent article in PLOS Medicine breaks down these influences and sheds light on how mental health issues are passed down between generations. In this perspective, authors Jasmin Wertz and Leah S. Richmond-Rakerd highlight the main findings of the article. The study focuses on how genetic and environmental factors jointly contribute to the occurrence of mental health problems in a family context.[1][6]