Genetic study identifies 1,200 variants linked to personality traits

A large-scale study published in the journal Nature has identified more than 1,200 genetic variants associated with the ‘Big Five’ personality traits: openness, conscientiousness, extraversion, agreeableness, and neuroticism.

Led by the Revived Genomics of Personality Consortium, researchers analyzed data from over one million people across 46 global cohorts. The findings indicate that genetics account for approximately 13% of the differences in personality traits among individuals. Lead author Ted Schwaba noted that there is no single ‘personality gene’; instead, personality is shaped by the combined effects of many genetic variants, each having a very small individual impact.

The study suggests that these genetic patterns are linked to various life outcomes, including education, career, income, health, and longevity. Furthermore, genetic profiles appear to influence real-world behaviors and environments. For example, variants linked to openness were associated with living in large cities, while those linked to extraversion were correlated with earlier COVID-19 exposure during the pandemic.

Despite the genetic influence, researchers emphasized that DNA does not determine destiny. Environmental factors, upbringing, and personal experiences remain major drivers of personality, and shared family environments were found to have little impact on the differences observed between individuals.