Genetics and Personality: What You Should Know
Aira on March 31, 2023
There are many personality traits – so many that even experts cannot agree exactly on how many there are. Various factors affect these traits and there have been numerous studies on whether personality traits are the product of nature or nurture.
Nature says that personality traits are a result of where someone came from as the good old saying would tell you, “the apple does not fall far from the tree.” Nurture says it doesn’t matter where the apple came from, only that it was picked up, cared for, and taught to be a good apple (this is hypothetical, of course, apples are not sentient).
A personality DNA test can give you more insights into your personality traits and whether or not you have inherited certain variations from your parents. LifeDNA offers various plans you can try today.
Are personality traits genetic?
Genetics and personality can go hand in hand. Studies would say that there is a huge percentage of your personality that was inherited from your parents and your ancestors. One study suggests that there is a 30 to 60 percent chance of inheriting certain traits and various psychological conditions. Genetics play an important role in determining whether you have a personality trait that is stronger or weaker than another.
So, what are some genetic personality traits? The big 5 personality traits are often known by the acronym O.C.E.A.N. which stands for Openness, Conscientiousness, Extroversion, Agreeableness, and Neuroticism. To know more about your personality traits, try LifeDNA today.
Openness
One of the “Big Five” dimensions of personality, openness refers to the ability of an individual to learn new things and be open to new experiences. If you took a DNA personality test and it says you have high levels of openness, you are most likely to be creative and adventurous. This trait is also closely associated with intelligence because being open to new things and experiences challenges your mental capabilities.
Conscientiousness
Conscientious individuals tend to be thoughtful. They have good impulse control and are more goal-oriented compared to their peers. They process their emotions carefully and assess the next steps to take. They can be methodical and tend to plan everything as much as possible but this trait is usually what makes them succeed in their goals.
Extroversion
Sometimes also spelled as extraversion, this personality trait is possessed by individuals who are the life of the party. Extroverted people are sociable, charming, assertive, and have high emotional expressiveness. A DNA personality test can tell you that if you are likely to be extroverted, you most likely love being around people and going to social gatherings. You feel most at home when there are plenty of familiar (and unfamiliar) faces around.
Agreeableness
Agreeable people are not those who always say yes and agree to everything. Being agreeable is a much more complex personality trait and it involves being good at social interactions, assessing other people’s emotions (being sympathetic and empathetic), and having a persuasive nature. If your personality DNA test says that you may be less likely to be agreeable and disregard their emotions and feelings over your own.
Neuroticism
Neuroticism refers to an individual’s long-term and consistent emotional state, especially in the face of danger, loss, or stress. If you tend to be neurotic, you are more likely to experience frequent mood swings, anxiety, depression, and irritability. Being overly neurotic can be damaging to your quality of life if not managed properly.
If you are wondering whether you have inherited some of your personality traits, a DNA test such as LifeDNA offers can give you more insight into your personal behaviours. Discover more about yourself and how you can have a more fulfilling life based on your genetic makeup. Try LifeDNA today.
*Understanding your genetics can offer valuable insights into your well-being, but it is not deterministic. Your traits can be influenced by the complex interplay involving nature, lifestyle, family history, and others.
Our reports have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The contents on our website and our reports are for informational purposes only, and are not intended to diagnose any medical condition, replace the advice of a healthcare professional, or provide any medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Consult with a healthcare professional before making any major lifestyle changes or if you have any other concerns about your results. The testimonials featured may have used more than one LifeDNA or LifeDNA vendors’ product or reports.