Personality is a complex interplay between genetic and environmental influences. We can’t define or fix personality. It changes as per the situation or circumstances.
Researchers have defined personality traits by introducing the five-factor model, also known as OCEAN (openness, consciousness, energy, agreeableness, neurotics). The interplay of nature and nurture shapes our personality traits. If we become aware of our personality traits, we get the key to re-organize it how we desire. An individual is the infusion of genetics and environment that influences personality traits.
To those who are inquisitive to know their personality traits and how our ancestors and surroundings play a major role in them, this reading is for you. This article gives you insight into the gene-environment correlation and how it determines individual personality differences.
The 5-Factor Models of Personality
Before we delve into the role of genetics and environment, let’s have a quick look at what constitutes our personality traits which makes our personality different from each other.
This model breaks down personality into 5 parts by which one can calculate which traits they resemble the most. This 5-factor model of personality works like a calculator to determine our personality traits.
1. Openness
People who score high in this trait are creative, adventurous and always ready for challenges. This personality is always ready for change and curious to unravel the new path in their life.
Because of their risk-taking trait, they are very aware of their emotional intelligence.
2. Conscientiousness
This word comes from consciousness, which means being aware. This personality comprises the traits of being highly organised, punctual and working in depth. They have an eye for detail and are self-disciplined.
This personality is a leader because of their commitment and purpose towards work.
3. Extraversion
Extraverts possess the traits of being sociable, talkative and energetic. They have an aura which completely draws people’s attention towards them. They enjoy being around social groups, are excited, and easily make friends.
4. Agreeableness
People who possess this personality trait are social workers; they have a penchant for helping others, empathise with people and are also sensitive. Polite and trustworthy, and cooperative in social situations.
This personality is soft-hearted and loves to serve others. Mothers who devote their life to serving their families without asking for anything in return also come with agreeable personality traits.
5. Neuroticism
This personality trait is often termed -negative, as they cannot manage their emotions, blame others and have poor self-regulation. Their life experience is such that they have the traits of self-doubt, low confidence and asking for reassurance from others.
This personality trait is seen negatively, but researchers and psychologists have claimed that by surrounding positive people and practising meditation, one can easily overcome negative emotions.
Role of Genetics in Personality
Genetics plays a crucial role in personality traits. The traits we acquire 30-60% of come from genetics which influences our personality. You must have observed that a few traits parents acquire are passed down to their children. They could be positive or negative traits depending on the genetic factors. Genetic traits that influence our personality comprise the five big models of personality traits( openness, extraversion, conscientiousness, neuroticism and agreeableness), though in a subtle manner.
Studies have shown that human beings possessed 30-60% of traits from their ancestors, and the rest is the impact of the environment that shapes personality.
Our body posture, emotional intelligence and mental strength possess the share of hereditary factors which makes our personality.
Environmental Influences on Personality
The environment comprises the experience of the family environment, parenting styles, cultural influences, relationships and life events. Human beings differ from each other because they are exposed to different experiences in similar environments.
Even children who have been raised by the same parent and share similar stuff still possess different traits. So more than the shared experiences, it’s the unshared experiences of a child that make his personality unique.
According to researchers, siblings, even if exposed to the same environment, their experiences are different, and that’s what builds up their personality.
In a nutshell, growing up in a similar environment doesn’t mean one has the same personality traits as the other. It’s the experience that piles up to make different personality traits.
How much we gather from the outside world is what comes in environmental personality traits. The language, clothes, food and manner of speech- humans pick from the outside or their environment.
Infusion of genetics and environment in personality traits
The contribution of genetics in personality is stable and remains longer with an individual, whereas environmental factors affect personality in every stage of life.
Their habits, thoughts and behaviour change as per the environment. If one moves to another city, one must adopt their culture, language and behaviour. Ultimately even for a temporary period, it affects their personality traits.
The traits that come in genetics are based upon the big five model personality traits( openness, conscientiousness, extraversion, agreeableness and neuroticism). These traits remain longer and, most often, are genetic.
Some people are talkative by nature and remain like that for a lifetime. This means that genetically influenced traits are more dominant than the environment. The infusion of genetics and environment decides our personality traits; with awareness and knowledge, we can eliminate negative personality traits.
Wrapping up
Our personality is not our making, it’s the complex amalgamation of genetics and environmental traits. One we carry since our birth, and the other we acquire to survive in the world. Both contribute and make our personality by which we act in the world and express our individuality.
