Are personality traits genetic?

If I were to ask you the simple question,"Do you think that genes influence your personality?" the first thing you might think is that I'm asking you a stupid question. After all, nearly all our lay beliefs about the world include beliefs that some of our genetic material influences who we become as people. read more

Sensation seeking is a personality trait that is linked to a number of behavioral disorders relating to substance use and addiction—and much of the human and non-human research indicates that dopamine plays a role in this behavior. read more

THE genetic makeup of a child is a stronger influence on personality than child rearing, according to the first study to examine identical twins reared in different families. The findings shatter a widespread belief among experts and laymen alike in the primacy of family influence and are sure to engender fierce debate. read more

A complex trait is a trait that is influenced by many different genetic and environmental factors. There is also no one 'personality gene' because personality traits are polygenic. This means that multiple genes are involved in determining a trait. read more

"Although personality traits are heritable, it has been difficult to characterise genetic variants associated with personality until recent, large-scale GWAS," explains lead researcher Chi-Hua Chen from the University of California, San Diego. read more