Genes and Personality

[andrewducker]

In an article in the journal Molecular Psychiatry, experts from the University of Oxford looked at all the evidence so far and concluded there was strong likelihood that certain people had genes which predisposed them to certain personality traits.

They may be naturally more anxious or depressed, say the scientists, and perhaps more likely to take solace in drink, tobacco or drugs.

One particular genetic variant was highlighted, involving a gene linked to the transport of the brain chemical serotonin.

Another link has been found between gene variants and the way the brain processes dopamine - another chemical key to certain personality traits, say the researchers.

... regardless of the influence of genes, free will still played an important role.

He said: "There is no genetic condition that completely removes free will with respect to drinking or smoking.

"Genes may make someone more likely to get a 'buzz' from alcohol or set up a pattern of behaviour that is more likely to become fixed than another person."

Dr John Maule, a psychologist who specialises in how humans make decisions, said that it was "implausible" to put too much emphasis on the role of genes in unhealthy living.

He told BBC News Online: "In younger people, certainly, it's much more about conforming, fitting in with other groups of young people - which seems to me to be quite far removed from a theory that everything is predetermined, and that you're either a risky person or a non-risky person.

"When it comes to risk it's too simplistic to link risk-taking behaviour to a single gene."

Which seems eminently reasonable to me.

Of course - the wish to conform seems far too common to me to not be inherited :->

Comments

[gnomatron.livejournal.com]

It's always seemed blatantly obvious to me that there should be a genetic element to behaviour, and that some people have predispositions to certain aggressive, self-destructive or otherwise unpleasant behaviours (or, inversely, nice, fluffy behaviours). Being pre-disposed towards behaving in a given way doesn't mean you will, though; it just means that it might be a bit more difficult not to, and therefore isn't an excuse for giving in. It might, however, be a reason to give such people extra help, in the name of levelling hte field a bit.

[protempore.livejournal.com]

They don't consider natural traits hereditary, I guess -- and most people are prone to conformity.

Reasonable article, though; and I agree.

Now, a cigarette and beer awaits . . .