Genetic study identifies 1,260 variants linked to personality traits

An international meta-analysis published in the journal Nature has identified 1,260 genetic variants associated with the ‘Big Five’ personality traits: extraversion, agreeableness, conscientiousness, neuroticism, and openness to experience. The study, which analyzed data from 46 cohorts including up to 1.14 million participants, identified 824 variants that had not been previously linked to personality.

While the findings represent a significant increase in detected genetic associations, researchers emphasize that DNA is not destiny. The identified variants explain only between 4.8% and 9.3% of the differences observed between individuals in each trait. This is notably lower than the 40% to 60% heritability range estimated by classical twin studies, highlighting the substantial influence of environmental factors and life experiences on personality formation.

Experts noted that while individual genetic variants have very small effects, their collective impact can be more sizeable across populations. The study suggests that genetics can help link personality patterns to various life outcomes, such as health risks or social behaviors, but cannot be used to accurately predict an individual's personality through DNA alone.