Genetics of personality associated with major life outcomes, study finds
A large-scale international study has identified over 1,200 gene variants associated with the 'Big Five' personality traits. These findings suggest that while no single 'personality gene' exists, the cumulative effect of these variants influences health, education, and career outcomes.
Why it matters
Understanding the genetic basis of personality provides deeper insight into human behavior and the biological factors influencing life trajectories.
The genetics of one's personality, or gene variants that predict it, could be more relevant to human experience and associated with health, education, career paths, among other major life outcomes, new research suggests.
An international team of researchers forming the Revived Genomics of Personality Consortium combined results from 46 distinct cohorts around the world to study the genetic basis of personality.
Findings published in the journal Nature show that more than 1,200 gene variants are associated with the Big Five personality traits -- openness, conscientiousness, extraversion, agreeableness and neuroticism -- and that the personality genetics are linked to dozens of life outcomes, including health behaviours.
The DNA of two randomly selected people is approximately 99.9% identical -- differences in the remaining 0.1 per cent of the genome can influence individual traits, including appearance, disease risk, and the body's response to medications, the researchers said.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in