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Main Category: Genetics
Also Included In: Psychology / Psychiatry
Article Date: 21 May 2012 - 9:00 PDT
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Healthcare Prof: How well an individuals does in their personal life could be due to their genetics, say psychologists at the University of Edinburgh.
According to the researchers, genetics play a significantly greater role in shaping character traits, such as decision making, self-control, or sociability, than an individuals surroundings or home environment. The study is published online in the Journal of Personality.
The team enrolled over 800 sets of twins in the United States to participate in the study. The majority of participants were aged 50+.
The researchers asked participants a series of questions in order to determine how they perceived themselves and others, such as "Are you disappointed about your achievements in life?" and "Are you influenced by people with strong opinions?"
The researchers then measured the results according to the Ryff Psychological Well-Being Scale which evaluated and standardizes these characteristics.
They discovered that identical twins were two times more likely to share character traits than non-identical twins and that genes affected how well an individual gets along with other people, their sense of purpose as well as their ability to continue learning and developing.
According to the psychologists, the stronger the genetic link, the more likely these traits will be carried through a family.
Genetic influence was strongest on an individual's sense of self-control, explained Professor Timothy Bates, of the University of Edinburgh's School of Philosophy, Psychology and Language Sciences.
Professor Bates explained:
"Ever since the ancient Greeks, people have debated the nature of a good life and the nature of a virtuous life. Why do some people seem to manage their lives, have good relationships and cooperate to achieve their goals while others do not? Previously, the role of family and the environment around the home often dominated people's ideas about what affected psychological well-being. However, this work highlights a much more powerful influence from genetics."
Written By Grace Rattue
Copyright: Medical News Today
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