An international study involving researchers in Australia has identified more than 1,200 genetic variants associated with personality traits, El.kz citesXinhua.
The findings showed that genetic variants linked to personality were also associated with a broad range of outcomes, including mental and physical health, educational attainment, career trajectories, longevity and social relationships, according to a statement released Thursday by Australia's QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute.
Published in Nature, the study examined the "Big Five" personality traits: openness to experience, conscientiousness, extraversion, agreeableness and neuroticism, the statement said.
By examining how personality and genetics interact with other health traits, researchers can better understand the underlying causes of disorders and identify the most appropriate treatments and interventions for individuals, it said.
The study found no evidence of a single "personality gene," with personality differences arising from the combined influence of many genetic variants, each having a very small effect.
QIMR Berghofer researchers contributed family-based genetic analyses to help separate genetic influences from the influence of shared family environments. By comparing relatives within families, the team was able to show that many of the observed genetic associations could not be explained simply by growing up in the same household.
The findings provide a new understanding of how biology and environment work together to shape personality, said the study's co-author, Associate Professor Michelle Lupton of QIMR Berghofer.
Common genetic variation could explain up to 16 percent of the variation in personality, with the remainder attributable to environmental factors including life circumstances and experiences, Lupton said.
The study also found links between personality-related genetic variants and a range of behaviors and lifestyle factors, including daytime activity levels and night-owl tendencies.
