Your personality may be more genetic than scientists realized
An international study has identified over 1,200 genetic variants linked to the 'Big Five' personality traits. The findings suggest that personality is influenced by a complex combination of many small genetic effects rather than a single gene.
Why it matters
Understanding the genetic basis of personality provides insight into how biological factors correlate with life outcomes like health, career success, and education.
An international team of scientists has identified more than 1,200 genetic variants associated with the Big Five personality traits. The findings also suggest that many of the same genetic patterns connected to personality are related to a wide range of life outcomes, including health, longevity, education, careers, and income.
The study, led by the Revived Genomics of Personality Consortium, brought together data from 46 research cohorts around the world. Participants provided DNA samples and completed questionnaires designed to measure the Big Five personality traits: openness to experience, conscientiousness, extraversion, agreeableness and neuroticism.
These traits describe relatively stable patterns in how people tend to think, feel, and behave. Researchers compared participants' genetic data with differences in their personality scores to identify genetic variants associated with each trait.
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