Based on genetic studies, scientists estimate that 30% to 60% of your personality is inheritable. Research also suggests that significant personality changes tend to occur between ages 20 to 40.
Were you born this way, or are you a byproduct of your environment? The notion of nature versus nurture is an enduring debate that so far, no scientist or philosopher has been able to definitively answer.
While some studies show that a large portion of your personality is heritable, the exact extent — including what types of traits are heritable — is still largely a mystery. But here’s what experts do know so far.
Some researchers
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These studies compared the personality traits of identical twins, who share 100% of the same DNA and who were raised both together and apart. These studies consistently found that identical twins, even when raised in different environments, shared more personality traits in common than non-twin siblings or adopted children.
These studies specifically observed the “Big Five” personality traits, including:
- neuroticism
- extraversion
- openness to experience
- agreeableness
- conscientiousness
Researchers also specifically discovered 42 sets of genetic variations (associated with 727 specific areas in our DNA) that appear to be strongly linked to personality traits.
Of course, environmental factors like early childhood experiences and cultural influences appear to have a crucial role in shaping one’s personality.
For instance, children raised in adverse conditions, such…
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