Have you ever wondered why we each have such unique personalities? Why are some of us adventurous thrill-seekers while others prefer calm, routine-based lives?
Blogginnlegg
Blogginnlegget er skrevet av
For years, scientists have studied what makes us who we are. Now, with the help of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML), we’re uncovering how our genes and our environment work together to shape our personalities.
What Did We Do?
Our team of researchers, led by Professor C. Robert Cloninger, used AI to analyze the complex dance between genes and personality traits. Working with data from over 2,100 participants across different countries, we discovered that personality traits aren’t just about a single gene here or there—it's actually about networks of genes. In fact, we identified 972 genes that play a role in shaping how we think, feel, and interact with the world around us. And the best part? These gene networks don’t just influence our personality; they can also impact our overall physical and mental health.
The Three Pillars of Personality
We used the biopsychosocial model of personality, which decomposes personality into two main components: temperament and character. Temperament is like the blueprint of your automatic reactions—how you instinctively respond to situations. Character, on the other hand, is built over time as you grow and learn, shaping things like your sense of purpose and your ability to connect with others.
Using AI, we found that personality is influenced by three major genetic networks, which we call the Three Pillars of Personality:
- Habit Learning: This is where temperament shows up. It’s the network that shapes our automatic reactions, like whether we crave excitement or prefer predictability. Think of it as your brain’s habit factory.
- Goal-Setting and Intentionality: This pillar helps us set goals and make decisions. It’s all about character traits like determination and self-control. This network influences the part of us that can say, “I’m going to get up at 5 AM and exercise”—and actually do it!
- Self-Awareness and Creativity: Ever find yourself reflecting on who you are or dreaming up new ideas? That’s the influence of this third network. It’s the genetic foundation for self-awareness and creativity, allowing us to look inward and think deeply about what matters most.
Why AI?
Personality is complex—more complex than just a single gene or trait. It’s about groups of genes working together, in different ways, depending on your unique environment. Traditional research methods have trouble handling this level of complexity, but AI and ML are built for it. They can sift through enormous amounts of data, finding patterns and connections that we could never spot on our own.
For this study, we used AI algorithms to analyze genetic and environmental data, finding connections between genes and personality traits. With these tools, we can see not just what makes up personality, but how these genetic networks work together to create it.
Nature, Nurture, and Free Will
One of the most exciting things we found is that, while personality is shaped by both nature (our genes) and nurture (our environment), we still have the power to change. Our study shows that personality traits aren’t set in stone. In other words, while you might inherit certain tendencies, you have the power to influence how they play out in your life. Choices like setting new goals, forming positive habits, or even practicing mindfulness can actually impact how these genes express themselves over time.
What This Means for You
This isn’t just a fascinating science experiment—it has real implications for mental health. Imagine a future where understanding your genetic personality blueprint could help tailor mental health strategies just for you. For instance, if we know which genetic networks are linked to resilience or social connection, we could develop personalized interventions that foster those traits. This could help build stronger mental health, improve well-being, and maybe even enhance our physical health.
This research shows us that while our genetic code lays the foundation, we each have the power to shape who we become. Personality is truly a blend of biology, environment, and personal choice—a dynamic that makes each of us uniquely human.
The Articles
- Zwir, I., Del-Val, C., Arnedo, J., Pulkki-Råback, L., Konte, B., Yang, S. S, Romero-Zaliz, R., Hintsanen, M., Cloninger, K. M., Garcia, D., Svrakic, D. M., Lester, N., Rozsa, S., Mesa, A., Lyytikäinen, L-P., Giegling, I., Kähönen, M., Martinez, M., Seppälä, I., Raitoharju, E., de Erausquin, G., Mamah, D., Raitakari, O., Rujescu, D., Postolache, T. T., Gu, C. C., Sung, J., Lehtimäki, T., Keltikangas-Järvinen, L., & Cloninger, C. R. (2021). Three Genetic-Environmental Networks for Human Personality. Molecular Psychiatry, 26, 3858–3875. https://10.1038/s41380-019-0579-x.
- Zwir, I., Arnedo, J., Del-Val, C., Pulkki-Råback, L., Konte, B., Yang, S. S, Romero-Zaliz, R., Hintsanen, M., Cloninger, K. M., Garcia, D., Svrakic, D. M., Rozsa, S., Martinez, M., Lyytikäinen, L-P., Giegling, I., Kähönen, M., Hernandez-Cuervo, H., Seppälä, I., Raitoharju, E., de Erausquin, G. A., Raitakari, O., Rujescu, D., Postolache, T. T., Sung, J., Keltikangas-Järvinen, L., Lehtimäki, T., & Cloninger, C. R. (2020). Uncovering the Complex Genetics of Human Character. Molecular Psychiatry, 25, 2295-2312. https://10.1038/s41380-018-0263-6.