Do Genes Influence Personality?
- Nia Smith
- Nov 30, 2015
- 3 min read
Have you ever discovered a family where the father and mother have a nice personality, and so does both kids? Is this a common coincidence or a personality trait that has been passed on from the parents to their children through their genetic makeup? It is often explained that genes are responsible for these personality traits and this concept is very convincing. However, genes are not the only thing responsible for our personality because personality is a complex trait. This means that your personality can be influenced by your environment and your memories from the past. Current genetic evidence suggests there is not a gene which defines a person's personality. Lots of scientists spent time on the genetic research for this topic, and the statement that genes are the only determining factor that influences personality is certainly wrong.
What can personality be influenced by?
Our personalities can be influenced by our environment. Things that happen around us change the way we feel, the way we think, and sometimes, the way we live. For example, if someone is surounded by others that are constantly angry and always irritated, it may make them annoyed, and change their personality. Also, if a low-spirited person is a part of a team that has teammates that are always happy and like to spend time together, the upbeat personality traits of their teammates may end up making the person happy through influence. this suggests that personalities don't just come from genes, they come from your environment too!
Historical evidence proves that our traits can be influenced by things that happened in the past. Motivational speakers often get people to change or have a different perspective on life. Motivational speakers like Martin L. King are powerful with their words and they are very effective with clearly delivering a message to their audience. These motivational speeches sometimes make people come together instead of fight against each other. In other instances some speeches move people to become helpful in a way they would not have been before being influenced by the lecture. To this day, people still look back to Dr. King's speech with hope for a better world and better people. For example, it was once said that "MLK’s famous speech, 'I Have a Dream' has touched the hearts of millions of Americans throughout the years and goes to show that with hard work, bravery, persistence, and many other qualities, anything can happen." This shows how Mr. King was able to persuade others to be better people and to strive for peace.
So genes have NO influence on personality?
Early research clearly suggests a person's genetic composition contributes to personality. Dr. Kraus says that "after all, we have decades of twin research showing similarity in personality between identical twins". However, more recent studies of genetics have not supported this perspective. Recent studies reveal that there are no genes that define a person's personality. Therefore, the belief genes have an influence on personality is more of a misconception.
In conclusion, environmental and historical events are more common to influence personality. Your environment and the behavior of other people around you usually influences your behavior and actions. The theory: genes have an influence on personality is a misconception that a large population of people believe. This misconception is easily believable when there is so much support and not many views that oppose the theory. This allows the myths about our traits to continue and influences the way we think surrounding this topic. It takes one step at a time in order to show the world what is true and whats not!
Sources:
Kraus, Michael W. "Do Genes Influence Personality?" Web log post. Psychology Today. Michael W Kraus, 30 Nov. 2015. Web. 30 Nov. 2015.
"Is Personality Genetic? - DNA's Influence on Temperament." Psychology 103. N.p.: n.p., n.d. N. pag. Study.com. Web. 30 Nov. 2015.
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