Heritability of Personality Traits
Personality comprises of a person’s psychological traits that are organized and relatively enduring. These traits influence an individual’s adaptations to and interactions with the physical, intrapsychic and social environments (Bratko, Butkovic, & Hlupic 1). Two of my traits that are the foundation of my personality are openness and extroversion. Out of these traits, I believe that openness is genetic but extraversion is more of an environment-acquired quality.
To begin with, I consider myself to be curious, imaginative, and open-minded. I believe that I have inherited this personality trait from my parents. On this note, scientific studies have revealed that genetics account for approximately 57% of the variance in the adult population’s level of openness (Heather & Tania 5). I consider my family as comprising of people who are always willing to try something new. We are all imaginative, adventurous, and liberal.
On the other hand, I think that my level of extraversion is acquired from the environment I have been interacting with. Research shows that extraversion is a 54% inherited trait (Heather & Tania 5). However, my level of extroversion does not match that of most of my family members. My mother is quite reserved while my father and siblings are introverted. Extraversion comprises of exploratory activity, positive emotions, and reward-seeking behavior (Heather & Tania 4). I have been raised in a different environment than my siblings. Since when I was young, I have always been around many groups of people.
In conclusion, personality is influenced by both environmental and genetic factors. The extent to which these factors influence personality differs from one person to another. I am convinced that I have inherited my extreme level of openness. On the other hand, I am the only member of my family who is highly extroverted.
Works Cited
Bratko, Denis, Ann Butkovic, and Tena Hlupic V. “Heritability of Personality.” Psychological Topics, 26, 2017, p. 1-24.
Heather, Maranges, and Reynolds Tania. “Heritability of Personality.” The Willey-Blackwell Encyclopedia of Personality and Individual Differences, vol. 2, no. 5, 2018, p. 2-11.