Smithsonian Magazine · Geschiedenis en cultuur

Huge Genetic Analysis Links Personality Traits to Over 1,200 Variants

A large-scale study analyzing the genes of over a million people has identified more than 1,260 common genetic variants associated with the "Big Five" personality traits: openness, conscientiousness, extroversion, agreeableness, and neuroticism. This research, published in Nature, significantly expands the known genetic underpinnings of human behavior.

Scientists have linked over 1,260 common genetic variants to one or more of the Big Five personality traits, with over 800 variants identified for the first time. The study combined data from 46 cohorts, involving between 611,000 and 1.14 million participants who provided DNA samples and completed personality questionnaires.

The identified genetic variants showed associations with various life and health outcomes. For instance, variants linked to extroversion were associated with a higher likelihood of early COVID-19 infection. Individuals with more variants tied to agreeableness were less likely to face school suspension or run away from home, while those with higher conscientiousness showed less substance use, more sports participation, fewer hospital stays, and healthier aging. Openness to experience was linked to increased nighttime activity.

The research also suggested that shared family background and educational attainment played minor roles in these genetic associations. Notably, the study found no strong connection between the chemical messenger serotonin and neuroticism, challenging existing theories that often link serotonin levels to mood and psychiatric conditions.

Despite these findings, researchers emphasize that genetics account for only a small proportion of personality variation, estimated between 5 and 10 percent. They also note that genetic associations can differ across geographical regions, age groups, and measurement tools. The study's authors suggest that personality tests are a more practical way to understand individual traits than genetic prediction.

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