Your personality may be written in your genes more than we thought

For decades, scientists have debated an age-old question: Is human personality shaped by genetics or by environment? A massive international study, published in the journal Nature and led by researcher Ted Schwaba of Michigan State University in collaboration with the University of Bristol in the UK, offers a new answer: both play a role, but with a greater influence from genetics than previously expected.

The team analyzed the genetic data of more than 1.14 million people from 46 studies worldwide, who also completed personality tests measuring the Big Five traits: extraversion, agreeableness, conscientiousness, neuroticism, and openness to experience. The result: more than 1,200 genetic variants (824 of which were previously unknown) were associated with these traits.

Notably, these genetic variants do not stop at personality; they extend to intersect with physical and mental health, educational attainment, career paths, and even the place of residence individuals choose. Nevertheless, researchers emphasize that genetics explains only a limited portion of personality variation (about 13%), underscoring that the surrounding environment remains a crucial partner in shaping who we are.