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Klingenberg B, Guloksuz S, Pries LK, Cinar O, Menne-Lothmann C, Decoster J, van Winkel R, Collip D, Delespaul P, De Hert M, Derom C, Thiery E, Jacobs N, Wichers M, Lin BD, Luykx J, van Os J, Rutten BPF. Gene-environment interaction study on the polygenic risk score for neuroticism, childhood adversity, and parental bonding. PERSONALITY NEUROSCIENCE 2023; 6:e5. [PMID: 38107775 PMCID: PMC10725776 DOI: 10.1017/pen.2023.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2022] [Revised: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
The present study examines whether neuroticism is predicted by genetic vulnerability, summarized as polygenic risk score for neuroticism (PRSN), in interaction with bullying, parental bonding, and childhood adversity. Data were derived from a general population adolescent and young adult twin cohort. The final sample consisted of 202 monozygotic and 436 dizygotic twins and 319 twin pairs. The Short Eysenck Personality questionnaire was used to measure neuroticism. PRSN was trained on the results from the Genetics of Personality Consortium (GPC) and United Kingdom Biobank (UKB) cohorts, yielding two different PRSN. Multilevel mixed-effects models were used to analyze the main and interacting associations of PRSN, childhood adversity, bullying, and parental bonding style with neuroticism. We found no evidence of gene-environment correlation. PRSN thresholds of .005 and .2 were chosen, based on GPC and UKB datasets, respectively. After correction for confounders, all the individual variables were associated with the expression of neuroticism: both PRSN from GPC and UKB, childhood adversity, maternal bonding, paternal bonding, and bullying in primary school and secondary school. However, the results indicated no evidence for gene-environment interaction in this cohort. These results suggest that genetic vulnerability on the one hand and negative life events (childhood adversity and bullying) and positive life events (optimal parental bonding) on the other represent noninteracting pathways to neuroticism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boris Klingenberg
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, Maastricht University Medical Centre, The Netherlands
| | - Sinan Guloksuz
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, Maastricht University Medical Centre, The Netherlands
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of medicine, USA
| | - Lotta-Katrin Pries
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, Maastricht University Medical Centre, The Netherlands
| | - Ozan Cinar
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, Maastricht University Medical Centre, The Netherlands
| | - Claudia Menne-Lothmann
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, Maastricht University Medical Centre, The Netherlands
| | - Jeroen Decoster
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, Maastricht University Medical Centre, The Netherlands
- University Psychiatric Centre, KU Leuven, Belgium
| | - Ruud van Winkel
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, Maastricht University Medical Centre, The Netherlands
- University Psychiatric Centre, KU Leuven, Belgium
| | - Dina Collip
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, Maastricht University Medical Centre, The Netherlands
| | - Philippe Delespaul
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, Maastricht University Medical Centre, The Netherlands
| | - Marc De Hert
- University Psychiatric Centre, KU Leuven, Belgium
- Antwerp Health Law and Ethics Chair, AHLEC University Antwerpen, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Catherine Derom
- Centre of Human Genetics, University Hospitals Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Ghent University Hospitals, Belgium
| | - Evert Thiery
- Department of Neurology, Ghent University Hospitals, Belgium
| | - Nele Jacobs
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, Maastricht University Medical Centre, The Netherlands
- Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Open University of the Netherlands, The Netherlands
| | - Marieke Wichers
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, Maastricht University Medical Centre, The Netherlands
- Department of Psychiatry, University Medical Center Groningen, The Netherlands
- The Interdisciplinary Center Psychopathology and Emotion Regulation (ICPE), The Netherlands
| | - Bochao D. Lin
- Brain Centre Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Jurjen Luykx
- Brain Centre Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Jim van Os
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, Maastricht University Medical Centre, The Netherlands
- Brain Centre Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht, The Netherlands
- King’s College London, King’s Health Partners, Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, UK
| | - Bart P. F. Rutten
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, Maastricht University Medical Centre, The Netherlands
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2
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Haehner P, Bleidorn W, Hopwood CJ. Examining individual differences in personality trait changes after negative life events. EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PERSONALITY 2023. [DOI: 10.1177/08902070231156840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/18/2023]
Abstract
Personality traits can change throughout the entire life span, but people differ in their personality trait changes. To better understand individual differences in personality changes, we examined personal (personality functioning), environmental (environmental changes), and event-related moderators (e.g., perceived event characteristics) of personality trait changes. Therefore, we used a sample of 1069 participants who experienced a negative life event in the last 5 weeks and assessed their personality traits at five measurement occasions over 6 months. Employing preregistered multilevel lasso estimation, we did not find any significant effects. While exploratory analyses generally confirmed this conclusion, they also identified some effects that might being worth to be considered in future research (e.g., perceived impact and perceived social status changes were associated with changes in agreeableness after experiencing a relationship breakup). In total, our moderators explained less than 2% of variance in personality traits. Nonetheless, our study has several important implications for future research on individual differences in personality change. For example, future research should consider personal, environmental, and event-related moderators, use different analytical methods, and rely on highly powered samples to detect very small effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Haehner
- Department of Psychology, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Wiebke Bleidorn
- Department of Psychology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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3
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Gutiérrez F, Valdesoiro F. The evolution of personality disorders: A review of proposals. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1110420. [PMID: 36793943 PMCID: PMC9922784 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1110420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Personality disorders (PDs) are currently considered dysfunctions. However, personality differences are older than humanity and are ubiquitous in nature, from insects to higher primates. This suggests that a number of evolutionary mechanisms-other than dysfunctions-may be able to maintain stable behavioral variation in the gene pool. First of all, apparently maladaptive traits may actually improve fitness by enabling better survival or successful mating or reproduction, as exemplified by neuroticism, psychopathy, and narcissism. Furthermore, some PDs may harm important biological goals while facilitating others, or may be globally beneficial or detrimental depending on environmental circumstances or body condition. Alternatively, certain traits may form part of life history strategies: Coordinated suites of morphological, physiological and behavioral characters that optimize fitness through alternative routes and respond to selection as a whole. Still others may be vestigial adaptations that are no longer beneficial in present times. Finally, variation may be adaptative in and by itself, as it reduces competition for finite resources. These and other evolutionary mechanisms are reviewed and illustrated through human and non-human examples. Evolutionary theory is the best-substantiated explanatory framework across the life sciences, and may shed light on the question of why harmful personalities exist at all.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernando Gutiérrez
- Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Institute of Neuroscience, Barcelona, Spain
- Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
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4
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The relationship between life events and sense of coherence in adolescence. A longitudinal twin study. JOURNAL OF RESEARCH IN PERSONALITY 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jrp.2022.104259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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5
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Luo J, Zhang B, Cao M, Roberts BW. The Stressful Personality: A Meta-Analytical Review of the Relation Between Personality and Stress. PERSONALITY AND SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY REVIEW 2022; 27:128-194. [PMID: 35801622 DOI: 10.1177/10888683221104002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The current study presented the first meta-analytic review on the associations between the Big Five personality traits and stress measured under different conceptualizations (stressor exposure, psychological and physiological stress responses) using a total of 1,575 effect sizes drawn from 298 samples. Overall, neuroticism was found to be positively related to stress, whereas extraversion, agreeableness, conscientiousness, and openness were negatively linked to stress. When stress assessed under different conceptualizations was tested, only neuroticism, agreeableness, and conscientiousness were related to stressor exposure. All of the Big Five personality traits were significantly associated with psychological stress perception, whereas the five personality traits showed weak to null associations with physiological stress response. Further moderation analyses suggested that the associations between personality traits and stress under different conceptualizations were also contingent upon different characteristics of stress, sample, study design, and measures. The results supported the important role of personality traits in individual differences in stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Luo
- Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Bo Zhang
- Texas A&M University, College Station, USA.,University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, USA
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6
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Haehner P, Rakhshani A, Fassbender I, Lucas RE, Donnellan MB, Luhmann M. Perception of major life events and personality trait change. EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PERSONALITY 2022. [DOI: 10.1177/08902070221107973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Major life events can trigger personality trait change. However, a clear, replicable pattern of event-related personality trait change has yet to be identified. We examined whether the perception of major life events is associated with personality trait change. Therefore, we assessed young adults’ personality traits at five measurement occasions within 1 year. At the second measurement occasion, we also assessed their perception of a recently experienced major life event using the Event Characteristics Questionnaire. Contrary to our expectations, perceived impact of the event was not associated with the amount of personality trait change, but perceived valence was associated with changes in agreeableness and neuroticism. Exploratory analyses revealed some weak associations between other perceived event characteristics and the amount of personality trait change as well as interactions between perceived event characteristics and event categories in predicting changes in neuroticism. In general, effect sizes were small, and associations depended on the time interval between pre-event and post-event personality assessment. Results indicate that perceived event characteristics should be considered when examining event-related personality trait change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Haehner
- Department of Psychology, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Andrew Rakhshani
- Department of Psychology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Ina Fassbender
- Department of Psychology, University of Siegen, Siegen, Germany
| | - Richard E Lucas
- Department of Psychology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | | | - Maike Luhmann
- Department of Psychology, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
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7
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Kandler C, Rauthmann JF. Conceptualizing and Studying Characteristics, Units, and Fits of Persons and Environments: A Coherent Synthesis. EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PERSONALITY 2021. [DOI: 10.1177/08902070211048728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Based on a perspective on personality coherence as the extent to which personality-relevant characteristics are differentiated and integrated within a person in his or her environment, we propose a synthesis that builds on and harmonizes existing and partly conflicting theories, methodological approaches, and empirical findings. This understanding of personality coherence needs clear definitions of person and environment characteristics. We define traits as characteristics of the person, adaptations as characteristics of the person-in-contexts, and states as characteristics of the person-in-situations. Thus, our synthesis involves concepts of environments and person-environment units. Next, we provide testable criteria to differentiate characteristics of persons from characteristics of person-environment units and to identify dispositional traits for a narrow-sense perspective on personality coherence. We raise awareness of the importance of fit between (profiles of) person and environment characteristics for an understanding of the integrated uniqueness of persons in their environments. We outline implications of this broader perspective on personality coherence for personality development, self-regulation, social integration, well-being, and psychological interventions. Lastly, we conclude that the analysis of an individual’s uniqueness and personality differences requires information about how well-defined, well-differentiated, well-integrated, and well-operationalized person(ality) variables are actually expressed in, or interact and transact with, the individual environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Kandler
- Department of Psychology, University of Bremen, University of Bremen, Bremen, Germany
| | - John F. Rauthmann
- Department of Psychology, Bielefeld University, Bielefeld University, Bielefeld, Germany
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8
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Rakhshani A, Lucas RE, Donnellan MB, Fassbender I, Luhmann M. Personality Traits and Perceptions of Major Life Events. EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PERSONALITY 2021. [DOI: 10.1177/08902070211045825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Research examining the associations between major life events and personality trait development is mixed. Work that evaluates perceptions of life events and how those perceptions are themselves associated with personality traits may help clarify the existing literature. We used a large student sample ( N = 1,509) and a demographically diverse sample from a Qualtrics panel ( N = 552) to conduct exploratory analyses examining the associations between the big five personality traits and perceptions of life events. Results suggested that (a) associations between personality and beliefs about event-related personality change differ between students and more representative samples, (b) associations between personality and event perceptions are often nuanced, and (c) event perceptions are not merely proxies for personality traits. These studies highlight the importance of subjective event perceptions in the study of major life events and personality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Rakhshani
- Department of Psychology, Michigan State University, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, United States
| | - Richard E. Lucas
- Department of Psychology, Michigan State University, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, United States
| | - M. Brent Donnellan
- Department of Psychology, Michigan State University, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, United States
| | - Ina Fassbender
- Department of Psychology, University of Siegen, Siegen, Germany
| | - Maike Luhmann
- Department of Psychology, University of Siegen, Siegen, Germany
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9
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Wundrack R, Asselmann E, Specht J. Personality development in disruptive times: The impact of personal versus collective life events. SOCIAL AND PERSONALITY PSYCHOLOGY COMPASS 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/spc3.12635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Richard Wundrack
- Department of Psychology Humboldt‐Universität zu Berlin Berlin Germany
| | - Eva Asselmann
- Department of Psychology Humboldt‐Universität zu Berlin Berlin Germany
| | - Jule Specht
- Department of Psychology Humboldt‐Universität zu Berlin Berlin Germany
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10
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Fassbender I, Haehner P, Buecker S, Luhmann M. Perceived Characteristics of Life Events—Short-Term Changes in Prosociality and Empathy? EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PERSONALITY 2021. [DOI: 10.1177/08902070211031762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Post-traumatic growth can be understood as positive change in desirable personality traits after adverse life events. However, recent research questioned whether adversity is a relevant, necessary, and sufficient condition for change in desirable personality traits. Using five-wave longitudinal data, this study explored changes in the desirable personality traits prosociality and empathy before and after life events. We included all life events participants had experienced between the second and third assessment, that is, adverse, ambiguous, and positive events. Participants rated their life events on the Event Characteristics Questionnaire which assesses the individual perception of life events on nine continuous dimensions: challenge, emotional significance, extraordinariness, external control, impact, valence, social status change, predictability, and change in world views. We used multilevel growth curve models to explore changes in prosociality and empathy as a function of these event characteristics. Prosociality and empathy remained stable in the assessment period of 6 to 9 months after the reported life event, independently of whether the event had been perceived as adverse or not. We discuss our findings with respect to the inclusion of positive and ambiguous events as predictors of personality change and with respect to its theoretical implications for post-traumatic growth and personality development more broadly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ina Fassbender
- Department of Education Studies and Psychology, University of Siegen, Germany
| | - Peter Haehner
- Faculty of Psychology, Ruhr University Bochum, Germany
| | | | - Maike Luhmann
- Faculty of Psychology, Ruhr University Bochum, Germany
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11
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Sheehan AE, Bounoua N, Miglin R, Spielberg JM, Sadeh N. A multilevel examination of lifetime aggression: integrating cortical thickness, personality pathology and trauma exposure. Soc Cogn Affect Neurosci 2021; 16:716-725. [PMID: 33837772 PMCID: PMC8259263 DOI: 10.1093/scan/nsab042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2020] [Revised: 01/27/2021] [Accepted: 04/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Aggression represents a significant public health concern, causing serious physical and psychological harm. Although many studies have sought to characterize the etiology of aggression, research on the contributions of risk factors that span multiple levels of analysis for explaining aggressive behavior is lacking. To address this gap, we investigated the direct and unique contributions of cortical thickness (level 1), pathological personality traits (level 2) and trauma exposure (level 3) for explaining lifetime physical aggression in a high-risk sample of community adults (N = 129, 47.3% men). First, the frequency of lifetime aggression was inversely associated with cortical thickness in regions of prefrontal and temporal cortices that have been implicated in executive functioning, inhibitory mechanisms and socio-emotional processing. Further, aggression was positively associated with pathological personality traits (antagonism and disinhibition) and exposure to assaultive trauma. Notably, all three levels of analysis (cortical thickness, pathological personality traits and assaultive trauma exposure) explained non-overlapping variance in aggressive behavior when examined simultaneously in integrative models. Together, the findings provide a multilevel assessment of the biopsychosocial factors associated with the frequency of aggression. They also indicate that cortical thickness explains novel variance in these harmful behaviors not captured by well-established personality and environmental risk factors for aggression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana E Sheehan
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19176, USA
| | - Nadia Bounoua
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19176, USA
| | - Rickie Miglin
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19176, USA
| | - Jeffrey M Spielberg
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19176, USA
| | - Naomi Sadeh
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19176, USA
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12
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Bech SC, Dammeyer J, Liu J. Changes in personality traits among candidates for special operations forces. MILITARY PSYCHOLOGY 2021. [DOI: 10.1080/08995605.2021.1902178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Jesper Dammeyer
- Department of Psychology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jie Liu
- Department of Psychology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Education, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, China
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13
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Zimmermann J, Greischel H, Jonkmann K, Neyer FJ. Growth all along the road? Personality development and international contacts of (in)experienced sojourners. EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PERSONALITY 2021. [DOI: 10.1177/0890207020988439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
International student mobility (ISM) is an important educational means to promote the international (job market) potential of university students. Beyond that, it constitutes a context of personality development in young adulthood. With the present research, we tried to integrate the perspectives of applied and personality research in addressing the following questions. First, we scrutinized the robustness of ISM effects on personality development as we controlled for effects of sociodemographic characteristics and implemented a waiting group design ( N = 3070). Second, we explored ISM anticipation effects as well as the moderation of ISM effects by previous international mobility experiences. Finally, in view of the public discourse on the benefits of “Erasmus crowds”, we assessed the roles of international and host relationships with regard to the personality development of sojourners. The results largely corroborated the robustness of ISM effects on personality development. No ISM anticipation effects occurred, and effects of current ISM engagement were largely unaffected by previous international mobility experiences. Finally, international contact experiences were associated with personality development above and beyond effects of host country contacts. Implications for the understanding of personality development and potential inferences for the organization and improvement of ISM programs are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Franz J. Neyer
- Department of Psychology, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Jena, Germany
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14
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Li S, Liu M, Zhao N, Xue J, Wang X, Jiao D, Zhu T. The impact of family violence incidents on personality changes: An examination of social media users' messages in China. Psych J 2021; 10:598-613. [PMID: 33530130 DOI: 10.1002/pchj.429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2020] [Revised: 11/22/2020] [Accepted: 12/25/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Changes in personality tend to be intertwined with life events (e.g., family violence [FV]). This study aimed to examine the personality changes before and after an FV incident using Weibo data. Samples were selected from 1.16 million Weibo users in China who had posted their own FV experience as victims. We used Linguistic Inquiry and Word Count (LIWC) to extract the linguistic features of these unstructured texts as the scores of participants' personality. We built prediction models to measure and compare personality differences between the victim group and control group in Sample 1; and personality changes between the victim group and control group before and after an FV incident in Sample 2. Results showed that the victims' neuroticism increased and conscientiousness decreased after experiencing FV. At the same time, their agreeableness and openness levels were lower than those of the control group. Implications and limitations are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sijia Li
- CAS Key Laboratory of Behavioral Science, Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,Department of Psychology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Mingming Liu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Behavioral Science, Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Nan Zhao
- CAS Key Laboratory of Behavioral Science, Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,Department of Psychology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jia Xue
- Factor Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Xuefei Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Behavioral Science, Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Dongdong Jiao
- The 6th Research Institute of China Electronics Corporation, Beijing, China
| | - Tingshao Zhu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Behavioral Science, Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,Department of Psychology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
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15
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The Differential Heritability of Social Adjustment by Sex. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18020621. [PMID: 33450905 PMCID: PMC7828361 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18020621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2020] [Revised: 01/01/2021] [Accepted: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Sex differences in social adjustment are frequently observed; however, there has been very little research on adaptability in the individual and social domains. The aim of this study was to investigate the sex difference in social abilities, such as high self-appeal, sociability, school adaptation, and home adaptation between school-age males and females. The sample for this study included both same-sex and opposite-sex twin pairs: a total of 467 twin pairs. We classified them into three groups: a group of those in lower classes of elementary school, a group of those in higher classes of elementary school, and a group of those in junior high school. The heritability of school adaptation was estimated to be 95% in males and 54% in females in the junior high school group. The full sex-limitation model showed a better fit in this group, and this means that a qualitative genetic difference exists. For school adaptation, there was no sex difference in lower elementary school classes; however, a quantitative difference appeared in higher classes of elementary school. Moreover, a qualitative difference appeared in junior high school. From this research, it became clear that sex differences in heritability exist for school adaptation, and there was a marked increase from the elementary school children to the junior high school children.
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16
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Chopik WJ, Kim ES, Schwaba T, Krämer MD, Smith J. Changes in optimism and pessimism in response to life events: Evidence from three large panel studies. JOURNAL OF RESEARCH IN PERSONALITY 2020; 88:103985. [PMID: 32773905 PMCID: PMC7405987 DOI: 10.1016/j.jrp.2020.103985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Although individuals vary in how optimistic they are about the future, one assumption that researchers make is that optimism is sensitive to changes in life events and circumstances. We examined how optimism and pessimism changed across the lifespan and in response to life events in three large panel studies (combined N = 74,886). In the American and Dutch samples, we found that optimism increased across younger adulthood, plateaued in midlife, and then decreased in older adulthood. In the German sample, there were inconsistent results with respect to age differences and mean level changes in optimism. Associations between life events and changes in optimism/pessimism were inconsistent across samples. We discuss our results in the context of life events and lifespan development.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Michael D Krämer
- German Institute for Economic Research, Freie Universität Berlin
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17
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Abstract
There is growing evidence that personality traits can change throughout the life course in humans and nonhuman animals. However, the proximate and ultimate causes of personality trait change are largely unknown, especially in adults. In a controlled, longitudinal experiment, we tested whether a key life event for adults--mating--can cause personality traits to change in female threespine sticklebacks. We confirmed that there are consistent individual differences in activity, sociability and risk-taking, and then compared these personality traits among three groups of females: (i) control females; (ii) females that had physically mated, and (iii) females that had socially experienced courtship but did not mate. Both the physical experience of mating and the social experience of courtship caused females to become less willing to take risks and less social. To understand the proximate mechanisms underlying these changes, we measured levels of excreted steroids. Both the physical experience of mating and the social experience of courtship caused levels of dihydroxyprogesterone (17α,20β-P) to increase, and females with higher 17α,20β-P were less willing to take risks and less social. These results provide experimental evidence that personality traits and their underlying neuroendocrine correlates are influenced by formative social and life-history experiences well into adulthood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chloé Monestier
- Department of Evolution, Ecology and Behavior, Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, Program in Neuroscience, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Alison M Bell
- Department of Evolution, Ecology and Behavior, Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, Program in Neuroscience, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL, USA.,Program in Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation Biology, Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, Program in Neuroscience, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL, USA
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Bleidorn W, Hopwood CJ, Back MD, Denissen JJ, Hennecke M, Jokela M, Kandler C, Lucas RE, Luhmann M, Orth U, Roberts BW, Wagner J, Wrzus C, Zimmermann J. Longitudinal Experience–Wide Association Studies—A Framework for Studying Personality Change. EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PERSONALITY 2020. [DOI: 10.1002/per.2247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
The importance of personality for predicting life outcomes in the domains of love, work, and health is well established, as is evidence that personality traits, while relatively stable, can change. However, little is known about the sources and processes that drive changes in personality traits and how such changes might impact important life outcomes. In this paper, we make the case that the research paradigms and methodological approaches commonly used in personality psychology need to be revised to advance our understanding of the sources and processes of personality change. We propose Longitudinal Experience–Wide Association Studies as a framework for studying personality change that can address the limitations of current methods, and we discuss strategies for overcoming some of the challenges associated with Longitudinal Experience–Wide Association Studies. © 2020 European Association of Personality Psychology
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Affiliation(s)
- Wiebke Bleidorn
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA USA
| | | | - Mitja D. Back
- Department of Psychology, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Jaap J.A. Denissen
- Department of Developmental Psychology, Tilburg University, Tilburg, The Netherlands
| | - Marie Hennecke
- Department of Psychology, University of Siegen, Siegen, Germany
| | - Markus Jokela
- Department of Psychology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | | | - Richard E. Lucas
- Department of Psychology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI USA
| | - Maike Luhmann
- Department of Psychological Methods, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Ulrich Orth
- Department of Psychology, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Brent W. Roberts
- Department of Psychology, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, IL USA
| | - Jenny Wagner
- Fakultat fur Psychologie und Bewegungswissenschaft, University of Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Cornelia Wrzus
- Department of Psychology, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
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Rakhshani A, Furr RM. The reciprocal impacts of adversity and personality traits: A prospective longitudinal study of growth, change, and the power of personality. J Pers 2020; 89:50-67. [PMID: 32031239 DOI: 10.1111/jopy.12541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2019] [Revised: 01/25/2020] [Accepted: 01/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We integrate the study of post-traumatic growth with personality science by examining the reciprocal effects of adversity and core personality traits. We implemented conceptual (i.e., incorporating personality traits into the study of adversity-related growth, examining trait-specific and configural personality change, and adopting a cumulative approach to adversity) and methodological (i.e., three-wave prospective design, assessing many life events, sampling from populations likely to experience adversity) innovations to advance the study of personality development and of the generality of adversity-related growth. METHOD A diverse sample (41% nonwhite, 48% low-income, 68% female, Mage = 44, 30% diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder) participated in a three-wave prospective longitudinal study (N = 258-128 across waves). Participants completed a personality inventory and a battery of life-event surveys (including 105 events) at each wave. RESULTS Personality was generally stable from trait-specific and configural perspectives, and all traits were correlated with adversity. All traits, particularly Extraversion and Conscientiousness, predicted adversity. Adversity predicted increases in Emotionality and decreases in Agreeableness. CONCLUSIONS Although personality growth is not the typical response to adversity within a 3-year period, findings underscore the real-world impact of personality, and they provide some support for developmental theories emphasizing the effects of life events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Rakhshani
- Department of Psychology, Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - R Michael Furr
- Department of Psychology, Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
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20
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Kornadt AE, Siebert JS, Wahl HW. The interplay of personality and attitudes toward own aging across two decades of later life. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0223622. [PMID: 31596876 PMCID: PMC6785129 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0223622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2019] [Accepted: 09/24/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Big Five personality traits are assumed to be linked with attitudes toward own aging. Since both constructs have central importance for the aging process, it is surprising that to our knowledge no study so far comprehensively addressed their mutual connection over time. We used data from the ILSE study, a longitudinal study capturing personality and attitudes toward own aging at four measurement occasions, spanning 20 years and including two participant cohorts in midlife (n = 501; born 1950-52) and later life (n = 500; born 1930-32). Dual latent change score models showed that personality was longitudinally related to change in attitudes toward own aging: Lower Neuroticism, higher Conscientiousness, and higher Openness predicted more positive attitudes, whereas the direction of the effect for Extraversion varied by time. Furthermore, the role of personality seems to be confined to certain sensitive periods in midlife and early old age. Contrary to our expectations, attitudes toward own aging had only marginal longitudinal impact on the Big Five. Our results shed light on the developmental co-dynamics of personality and subjective perceptions of aging across the second half of the lifespan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna E. Kornadt
- Department of Psychology, Bielefeld University, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Jelena S. Siebert
- Department of Psychology, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Hans-Werner Wahl
- Department of Psychology, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
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21
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Avinun R. The E Is in the G: Gene-Environment-Trait Correlations and Findings From Genome-Wide Association Studies. PERSPECTIVES ON PSYCHOLOGICAL SCIENCE 2019; 15:81-89. [PMID: 31558103 DOI: 10.1177/1745691619867107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Genome-wide association studies (GWASs) have shown that pleiotropy is widespread (i.e., the same genetic variants affect multiple traits) and that complex traits are polygenic (i.e., affected by many genetic variants with very small effect sizes). However, despite the growing number of GWASs, the possible contribution of gene-environment correlations (rGEs) to pleiotropy and polygenicity has been mostly ignored. rGEs can lead to environmentally mediated pleiotropy or gene-environment-trait correlations (rGETs), given that an environment that is affected by one genetically influenced phenotype, can in turn affect a different phenotype. By adding correlations with environmentally mediated genetic variants, rGETs can contribute to polygenicity. Socioeconomic status (SES) and the experience of stressful life events may, for example, be involved in rGETs. Both are genetically influenced and have been associated with a myriad of physical and mental disorders. As a result, GWASs of these disorders may find the genetic correlates of SES and stressful life events. Consequently, some of the genetic correlates of physical and mental disorders may be modified by public policy that affects environments such as SES and stressful life events. Thus, identifying rGETs can shed light on findings from GWASs and have important implications for public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reut Avinun
- Department of Psychology & Neuroscience, Duke University.,Department of Psychology, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem
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22
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Kawamoto T. Personality Change in Middle Adulthood: With Focus on Differential Susceptibility. THE JOURNAL OF PSYCHOLOGY 2019; 153:860-879. [PMID: 31314688 DOI: 10.1080/00223980.2019.1632251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Little attention has been paid to middle adulthood in research on personality stability and change. In addition, previous research on individual differences in personality change has not fully explained its variability. This study focused on the differential susceptibility model, which suggests that individual susceptibility interacts with environmental factors and produces variability in outcomes, and investigated individual differences in personality change with a middle adult sample. A total of 1051 Japanese middle adults (M = 41.61 years; SD = 5.31; range 30-50 years; 534 females) participated in this two-wave short-term longitudinal study. Latent change score model analyses revealed substantial mean-level declines in Agreeableness and Honesty-Humility. Moreover, the results showed that the influences of some life events on personality change are moderated for better and for worse by individual susceptibility to one's environment. These findings suggest that the trends of personality development may differ between Western and non-Western countries and that differential susceptibility model may play an important role in deriving individual differences in personality stability and change.
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23
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Arnau-Soler A, Macdonald-Dunlop E, Adams MJ, Clarke TK, MacIntyre DJ, Milburn K, Navrady L, Hayward C, McIntosh AM, Thomson PA. Genome-wide by environment interaction studies of depressive symptoms and psychosocial stress in UK Biobank and Generation Scotland. Transl Psychiatry 2019; 9:14. [PMID: 30718454 PMCID: PMC6361928 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-018-0360-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2018] [Accepted: 12/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Stress is associated with poorer physical and mental health. To improve our understanding of this link, we performed genome-wide association studies (GWAS) of depressive symptoms and genome-wide by environment interaction studies (GWEIS) of depressive symptoms and stressful life events (SLE) in two UK population-based cohorts (Generation Scotland and UK Biobank). No SNP was individually significant in either GWAS, but gene-based tests identified six genes associated with depressive symptoms in UK Biobank (DCC, ACSS3, DRD2, STAG1, FOXP2 and KYNU; p < 2.77 × 10-6). Two SNPs with genome-wide significant GxE effects were identified by GWEIS in Generation Scotland: rs12789145 (53-kb downstream PIWIL4; p = 4.95 × 10-9; total SLE) and rs17070072 (intronic to ZCCHC2; p = 1.46 × 10-8; dependent SLE). A third locus upstream CYLC2 (rs12000047 and rs12005200, p < 2.00 × 10-8; dependent SLE) when the joint effect of the SNP main and GxE effects was considered. GWEIS gene-based tests identified: MTNR1B with GxE effect with dependent SLE in Generation Scotland; and PHF2 with the joint effect in UK Biobank (p < 2.77 × 10-6). Polygenic risk scores (PRSs) analyses incorporating GxE effects improved the prediction of depressive symptom scores, when using weights derived from either the UK Biobank GWAS of depressive symptoms (p = 0.01) or the PGC GWAS of major depressive disorder (p = 5.91 × 10-3). Using an independent sample, PRS derived using GWEIS GxE effects provided evidence of shared aetiologies between depressive symptoms and schizotypal personality, heart disease and COPD. Further such studies are required and may result in improved treatments for depression and other stress-related conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleix Arnau-Soler
- Medical Genetics Section, University of Edinburgh, Centre for Genomic and Experimental Medicine and MRC Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, Edinburgh, UK.
| | - Erin Macdonald-Dunlop
- Centre for Global Health Research, Usher Institute of Population Health Sciences and Informatics, University of Edinburgh, Teviot Place, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Mark J Adams
- Division of Psychiatry, Deanery of Clinical Sciences, Univ×ersity of Edinburgh, Royal Edinburgh Hospital, Morningside Park, Edinburgh, EH10 5HF, UK
| | - Toni-Kim Clarke
- Division of Psychiatry, Deanery of Clinical Sciences, Univ×ersity of Edinburgh, Royal Edinburgh Hospital, Morningside Park, Edinburgh, EH10 5HF, UK
| | - Donald J MacIntyre
- Division of Psychiatry, Deanery of Clinical Sciences, Univ×ersity of Edinburgh, Royal Edinburgh Hospital, Morningside Park, Edinburgh, EH10 5HF, UK
| | - Keith Milburn
- Health Informatics Centre, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | - Lauren Navrady
- Division of Psychiatry, Deanery of Clinical Sciences, Univ×ersity of Edinburgh, Royal Edinburgh Hospital, Morningside Park, Edinburgh, EH10 5HF, UK
| | - Caroline Hayward
- Medical Research Council Human Genetics Unit, Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Andrew M McIntosh
- Division of Psychiatry, Deanery of Clinical Sciences, Univ×ersity of Edinburgh, Royal Edinburgh Hospital, Morningside Park, Edinburgh, EH10 5HF, UK
| | - Pippa A Thomson
- Medical Genetics Section, University of Edinburgh, Centre for Genomic and Experimental Medicine and MRC Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, Edinburgh, UK.
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24
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Developing individual differences in primate behavior: the role of genes, environment, and their interplay. Behav Ecol Sociobiol 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/s00265-019-2633-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
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25
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Reijnen A, Geuze E, Gorter R, Vermetten E. Development of Self-Directedness and Cooperativeness in Relation to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Symptom Trajectories After Military Deployment. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018; 2:2470547018803511. [PMID: 32440586 PMCID: PMC7219915 DOI: 10.1177/2470547018803511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2018] [Accepted: 09/04/2018] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Background Personality traits, such as the character traits self-directedness and
cooperativeness, might play a role in the risk of developing post-traumatic
stress disorder (PTSD) after deployment to a combat zone. However, it is
unclear whether these traits are preexisting risk factors or if
event-related changes might also be associated with PTSD symptoms over time.
Therefore, the current aim was to assess if military deployment is
associated with changes in cooperativeness and self-directedness and to
study how these traits are related to PTSD symptom trajectories. Methods In a large cohort of military personnel (N = 1007), measurements were
performed before, at one and six months, and two and five years after
deployment to Afghanistan. Linear mixed-effect models were used to assess
the individual change in the traits over time and to study the relation with
potential predictors. Results Cooperativeness was found to remain stable, whereas self-directedness was
found to slightly decrease over time. This decrease was related to the
development of PTSD symptoms over time. Furthermore, lower levels of
self-directedness were associated with the symptomatic trajectories of PTSD
symptoms. Lower levels of cooperativeness were only associated with the
recovered PTSD trajectory. Conclusions So, not only do the findings confirm that lower levels of these character
traits are associated with the development of PTSD symptoms, it was also
shown that there are differences in the relation between these traits and
the course of PTSD symptoms. Studying methods to promote the levels of these
character traits might help to improve the resiliency of military
personnel.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alieke Reijnen
- Research Centre, Military Mental Healthcare, Utrecht, the Netherlands.,Department of Psychiatry, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands.,Department of Psychiatry, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands.,Research Department, Veterans Institute, Doorn, the Netherlands
| | - Elbert Geuze
- Research Centre, Military Mental Healthcare, Utrecht, the Netherlands.,Department of Psychiatry, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Rosalie Gorter
- Research Centre, Military Mental Healthcare, Utrecht, the Netherlands.,Department of Psychiatry, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Eric Vermetten
- Research Centre, Military Mental Healthcare, Utrecht, the Netherlands.,Department of Psychiatry, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands.,Department of Psychiatry, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands.,Arq, Psychotrauma Expert Group, Diemen, the Netherlands
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26
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Sequences of maladaptation: Preadolescent self-regulation, adolescent negative social interactions, and young adult psychopathology. Dev Psychopathol 2017; 31:279-292. [PMID: 29229016 DOI: 10.1017/s0954579417001808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
This study aims to test whether adolescent negative social interactions mediate the relation between early adolescent self-regulatory capacities and young adult psychopathology, using a fully prospective mediation model. Data were derived from the Tracking Adolescents' Individual Lives Survey, a large population cohort of Dutch adolescents (n = 962). At age 11, three indicators of self-regulation were assessed: low frustration, high effortful control, and high response inhibition. Negative social interactions between ages 11 and 22 were captured twice using the Event History Calendar. Psychopathology (i.e., internalizing and externalizing problems) was assessed at ages 11 and 22. Findings indicate that adolescents' frustration and effortful control but not response inhibition assessed at age 11 are related to both internalizing and externalizing problems at age 22, after controlling for psychopathology at age 11, sex, and socioeconomic status. These associations were partly (about 22%) mediated by the negative social interactions adolescents experienced. Effect sizes were all modest. This study shows that self-regulation is related to subsequent psychopathology in part through its effect on negative social interactions, providing evidence for sequences of self-regulatory capacities, life experiences, and developmental outcomes.
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27
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Xu MK, Gaysina D, Tsonaka R, Morin AJS, Croudace TJ, Barnett JH, Houwing-Duistermaat J, Richards M, Jones PB. Monoamine Oxidase A ( MAOA) Gene and Personality Traits from Late Adolescence through Early Adulthood: A Latent Variable Investigation. Front Psychol 2017; 8:1736. [PMID: 29075213 PMCID: PMC5641687 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2017.01736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2017] [Accepted: 09/20/2017] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Very few molecular genetic studies of personality traits have used longitudinal phenotypic data, therefore molecular basis for developmental change and stability of personality remains to be explored. We examined the role of the monoamine oxidase A gene (MAOA) on extraversion and neuroticism from adolescence to adulthood, using modern latent variable methods. A sample of 1,160 male and 1,180 female participants with complete genotyping data was drawn from a British national birth cohort, the MRC National Survey of Health and Development (NSHD). The predictor variable was based on a latent variable representing genetic variations of the MAOA gene measured by three SNPs (rs3788862, rs5906957, and rs979606). Latent phenotype variables were constructed using psychometric methods to represent cross-sectional and longitudinal phenotypes of extraversion and neuroticism measured at ages 16 and 26. In males, the MAOA genetic latent variable (AAG) was associated with lower extraversion score at age 16 (β = −0.167; CI: −0.289, −0.045; p = 0.007, FDRp = 0.042), as well as greater increase in extraversion score from 16 to 26 years (β = 0.197; CI: 0.067, 0.328; p = 0.003, FDRp = 0.036). No genetic association was found for neuroticism after adjustment for multiple testing. Although, we did not find statistically significant associations after multiple testing correction in females, this result needs to be interpreted with caution due to issues related to x-inactivation in females. The latent variable method is an effective way of modeling phenotype- and genetic-based variances and may therefore improve the methodology of molecular genetic studies of complex psychological traits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Man K Xu
- Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Welten Institute, Open University of the Netherlands, Heerlen, Netherlands.,Department of Medical Statistics and Bioinformatics, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, Netherlands.,Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom.,Department of Psychology, Education, and Child Studies, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Darya Gaysina
- EDGE Lab, School of Psychology, University of Sussex, Brighton, United Kingdom
| | - Roula Tsonaka
- Department of Medical Statistics and Bioinformatics, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Alexandre J S Morin
- Substantive-Methodological Synergy Research Laboratory, Department of Psychology, Concordia University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Tim J Croudace
- School of Nursing and Health Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - Marcus Richards
- MRC Unit for Lifelong Health and Ageing at UCL, London, United Kingdom
| | - Peter B Jones
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
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28
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Luo J, Derringer J, Briley DA, Roberts BW. Genetic and Environmental Pathways Underlying Personality Traits and Perceived Stress: Concurrent and Longitudinal Twin Studies. EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PERSONALITY 2017; 31:614-629. [PMID: 33132499 DOI: 10.1002/per.2127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
The present study examined the genetic and environmental etiology underlying the Big Five personality traits and perceived stress, concurrently and longitudinally. In study 1, we used the twin sample from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health (Add Health IV) data. The results indicated that about 70% of the association between the Big Five personality traits and perceived stress was due to genetic influences. In study 2, we used the twin sample from the Midlife in the United States Survey (MIDUS I and II) to examine the genetic and environmental influences underlying the longitudinal relations between the Big Five personality traits and perceived stress. The results suggested that continuity in perceived stress was primarily accounted for by genetic influences, and changes in perceived stress were mainly due to nonshared environmental influences. The continuity in the association between the five personality traits and perceived stress was largely accounted for by genetic factors, and nonshared environmental factors made greater contributions to changes in the association between personality traits and perceived stress. Among the Big Five personality traits, the genetic components in conscientiousness and neuroticism made substantial contributions to the genetic link between personality traits and perceived stress across both studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Luo
- Department of Psychology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, IL USA
| | - Jaime Derringer
- Department of Psychology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, IL USA
| | - Daniel A Briley
- Department of Psychology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, IL USA
| | - Brent W Roberts
- Department of Psychology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, IL USA
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29
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Lex C, Bäzner E, Meyer TD. Does stress play a significant role in bipolar disorder? A meta-analysis. J Affect Disord 2017; 208:298-308. [PMID: 27794254 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2016.08.057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2016] [Revised: 08/09/2016] [Accepted: 08/24/2016] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is evidence that stressful life events (LE) play a crucial role in the etiology of bipolar affective disorder (BD). However, primary studies, as well as narrative reviews, have provided mixed results. The present meta-analysis combined and analyzed previous data in order to address these inconsistencies. METHOD Forty-two studies published in 53 records were identified by systematically searching MEDLINE, PsychINFO, and PSYCHINDEX using the terms "bipolar disorder" OR "manic-depressive" OR "bipolar affective disorder" OR "mania" AND "stress" OR "life event" OR "daily hassles" OR "goal attainment". Then, meta-analyses were conducted. RESULTS Individuals diagnosed with BD reported more LE before relapse when compared to euthymic phases. They also experienced more LE relative to healthy individuals and to physically ill patients. No significant difference in the number of LE was found when BD was compared to unipolar depression and schizophrenia. LIMITATIONS When interpreting the present meta-analytic findings one should keep in mind that most included studies were retrospective and often did not specify relevant information, e.g., if the LE were chronic or acute or if the individuals were diagnosed with BD I or II. We could not entirely rule out a publication bias. CONCLUSION The present meta-analyses found that individuals with BD were sensitive to LE, which corroborates recent theoretical models and psychosocial treatment approaches of BD. Childbirth, as a specific LE, affected individuals with BD more than individuals with unipolar depression. Future studies that investigate specific LE are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Lex
- Villach General Hospital, Department of Psychiatry, Austria
| | - Eva Bäzner
- Eberhard Karls University, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Thomas D Meyer
- Eberhard Karls University, Tübingen, Germany; McGovern Medical School, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, USA.
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30
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE Theory and research have emphasized the impact of life events on personality trait change. In this article, we review prospective research on personality trait change in response to nine major life events in the broader domains of love and work. METHOD We expected to find that life events lead to personality trait change to the extent that they have a lasting influence on individuals' thoughts, feelings, and behavior. Moreover, we predicted that love-related life events such as marriage or parenthood would be more strongly related to changes in traits that emphasize affective content, whereas work-related life events would be more likely to lead to change in traits that reflect behavioral or cognitive content. RESULTS The current state of research provided some evidence that life events can lead to changes in personality traits and that different life events may be differently related to specific trait domains. CONCLUSIONS A more general conclusion emerging from this review is that the evidence for the nature, shape, and timing of personality trait change in response to life events is still preliminary. We discuss the implications of the results for theory and research and provide directions for future studies on life events and personality trait change.
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31
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Pos K, Boyette LL, Meijer CJ, Koeter M, Krabbendam L, de Haan L, For Group. The effect of childhood trauma and Five-Factor Model personality traits on exposure to adult life events in patients with psychotic disorders. Cogn Neuropsychiatry 2016; 21:462-474. [PMID: 27678148 DOI: 10.1080/13546805.2016.1236014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Recent life events are associated with transition to and outcome in psychosis. Childhood trauma and personality characteristics play a role in proneness to adult life events. However, little is known about the relative contribution and interrelatedness of these characteristics in psychotic disorders. Therefore, we investigated whether Five-Factor Model (FFM) personality traits and childhood trauma (abuse and neglect) predict adult life events, and whether the effect of childhood trauma on life events is mediated by personality traits. METHOD One hundred and sixty-three patients with psychotic disorders were assessed at baseline on history of childhood maltreatment and FFM personality traits, and on recent life events at 3-year follow-up. RESULTS Childhood abuse is associated with negative life events, and part of the effect of childhood abuse on negative life events is mediated by openness to experience. Openness to experience and extraversion are associated with more positive and negative life events. Childhood neglect and lower extraversion are related to experiencing less positive events. CONCLUSION The association between childhood trauma and recent life events is partly mediated by personality. Future research could focus on mechanisms leading to positive life events, as positive life events may buffer against development of mental health problems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karin Pos
- a Early Psychosis Department, Department of Psychiatry, Amsterdam Medical Center , Amsterdam , The Netherlands
| | - Lindy Lou Boyette
- b Department of Clinical Psychology , University of Amsterdam , Amsterdam , The Netherlands
| | - Carin J Meijer
- a Early Psychosis Department, Department of Psychiatry, Amsterdam Medical Center , Amsterdam , The Netherlands
| | - Maarten Koeter
- a Early Psychosis Department, Department of Psychiatry, Amsterdam Medical Center , Amsterdam , The Netherlands
| | - Lydia Krabbendam
- c Department of Educational Neuroscience , VU University Amsterdam , Amsterdam , The Netherlands.,d LEARN! Research Institute for Learning and Education , Amsterdam , The Netherlands
| | - Lieuwe de Haan
- a Early Psychosis Department, Department of Psychiatry, Amsterdam Medical Center , Amsterdam , The Netherlands
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32
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How temperament and character affect our career, relationships, and mental health. Compr Psychiatry 2016; 70:181-9. [PMID: 27565773 DOI: 10.1016/j.comppsych.2016.07.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2016] [Revised: 07/29/2016] [Accepted: 07/31/2016] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND On the way toward an agreed dimensional taxonomy for personality disorders (PD), several pivotal questions remain unresolved. We need to know which dimensions produce problems and in what domains of life; whether impairment can be found at one or both extremes of each dimension; and whether, as is increasingly advocated, some dimensions measure personality functioning whereas others reflect style. METHOD To gain this understanding, we administered the Temperament and Character Inventory to a sample of 862 consecutively attended outpatients, mainly with PDs (61.2%). Using regression analysis, we examined the ability of personality to predict 39 variables from the Life Outcome Questionnaire concerning career, relationships, and mental health. RESULTS Persistence stood out as the most important dimension regarding career success, with 24.2% of explained variance on average. Self-directedness was the best predictor of social functioning (21.1%), and harm avoidance regarding clinical problems (34.2%). Interpersonal dimensions such as reward dependence and cooperativeness were mostly inconsequential. In general, dimensions were detrimental only in one of their poles. CONCLUSIONS Although personality explains 9.4% of life problems overall, dimensions believed to measure functioning (character) were not better predictors than those measuring style (temperament). The notion that PD diagnoses can be built upon the concept of "personality functioning" is unsupported.
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Saukkonen S, Aronen ET, Laajasalo T, Salmi V, Kivivuori J, Jokela M. Victimization and psychopathic features in a population-based sample of Finnish adolescents. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2016; 60:58-66. [PMID: 27690216 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2016.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2016] [Revised: 08/12/2016] [Accepted: 09/18/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
We examined different forms of victimization experiences in relation to psychopathic features and whether these associations differed in boys and girls among 4855 Finnish school adolescents aged 15-16 years. Psychopathic features were measured with the Antisocial Process Screening Device- Self Report (APSD-SR). Victimization was assessed with questions about violent and abusive experiences across lifetime and within the last 12 months. Results from linear regression analysis showed that victimization was significantly associated with higher APSD-SR total scores, more strongly in girls than boys. Recent (12-month) victimization showed significance in the relationship between victimization and psychopathic features; especially recent sexual abuse and parental corporal punishment were strong determinants of higher APSD-SR total scores. The present study demonstrates novel findings on how severe victimization experiences relate to psychopathic features in community youth, especially in girls. The findings underscore the need for comprehensive evaluation of victimization experiences when psychopathic features are present in youth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suvi Saukkonen
- University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Children's Hospital, Child Psychiatry, Helsinki, Finland.
| | - Eeva T Aronen
- University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Children's Hospital, Child Psychiatry, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Taina Laajasalo
- Forensic Psychology Center for Children and Adolescents, Children's Hospital, Child Psychiatry, Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland; Institute of Behavioural Sciences, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Venla Salmi
- Institute of Criminology and Legal Policy, Criminological Unit, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Janne Kivivuori
- Institute of Criminology and Legal Policy, Criminological Unit, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Markus Jokela
- Institute of Behavioural Sciences, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
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Kandler C, Ostendorf F. Additive and Synergetic Contributions of Neuroticism and Life Events to Depression and Anxiety in Women. EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PERSONALITY 2016. [DOI: 10.1002/per.2065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
In this genetically informative and longitudinal study of women, we investigated the nature of individual differences in tendencies to depression (TD) and anxiety (TA) as well as in the probability to develop unipolar mood disorders (UMDs), anxiety disorders (ADs) or both. Specifically, we examined the roles of neuroticism, negative and positive life events and their interplay as heritable and environmental factors of variance in TD and TA. Cross–sectional data from a total of 1200 women including 232 patients (suffering from UMDs and/or ADs) and longitudinal data from 630 female twins including 260 complete pairs were analysed. The analyses yielded that variance in neuroticism mediated the vast majority of the genetic variance in both TD (about 85–90%) and TA (about 70–75%). Negative life events additionally contributed as risk factors accounting for common and specific environmental variance in both TD and TA, whereas positive life events only acted as protective factors in the case of TD. Moreover, TD but not TA was associated with both the probability of exposure and the sensitivity to negative life events and a negative life–event balance (i.e. more negative than positive experiences). The results were discussed within the framework of additive, dynamic and synergetic diathesis–stress models. Copyright © 2016 European Association of Personality Psychology
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Fritz Ostendorf
- Department of Psychology, Bielefeld University, Bielefeld, Germany
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Kawamoto T. Personality Change from Life Experiences: Moderation Effect of Attachment Security. JAPANESE PSYCHOLOGICAL RESEARCH 2016. [DOI: 10.1111/jpr.12110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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Kopala-Sibley DC, Zuroff DC, Hankin BL, Abela JRZ. The Development of Self-Criticism and Dependency in Early Adolescence and Their Role in the Development of Depressive and Anxiety Symptoms. PERSONALITY AND SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY BULLETIN 2015; 41:1094-109. [DOI: 10.1177/0146167215590985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2014] [Accepted: 05/13/2015] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
According to Blatt and others (e.g., A. T. Beck), self-definition, or one’s sense of self, and one’s sense of relatedness to others represent core lifespan developmental tasks. This study examined the role of events pertaining to self-definition or relatedness in the development of personality traits from each domain (self-criticism and dependency), and their relationship to the development of depressive and anxiety symptoms. Two hundred seventy-six early adolescents completed a measure of self-criticism and dependency at baseline and again 24 months later, along with measures of depressive and anxiety symptoms. Every 3 months, participants completed a measure of life events, which were coded as self-definitional or relatedness oriented (80% rater agreement, kappa = .70). Structural equation models showed that self-definitional events predicted increases in self-criticism, which in turn predicted increases in depressive symptoms, whereas relatedness events predicted increases in dependency, although dependency was unrelated to change in symptoms.
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Vall G, Gutiérrez F, Peri JM, Gárriz M, Ferraz L, Baillés E, Obiols JE. Seven basic dimensions of personality pathology and their clinical consequences: Are all personalities equally harmful? BRITISH JOURNAL OF CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY 2015; 54:450-68. [DOI: 10.1111/bjc.12091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2015] [Revised: 04/24/2015] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Gemma Vall
- Department of Psychiatry; Mental Health and Addiction; GSS - Hospital Santa Maria - IRB; Lleida Spain
- Department of Clinical and Health Psychology; Autonomous University of Barcelona; Spain
| | - Fernando Gutiérrez
- Personality Disorder Unit, Institute of Neurosciences; Hospital Clinic of Barcelona; Spain
- IDIBAPS (August Pi Sunyer Biomedical Research Institute); Barcelona Spain
| | - Josep M. Peri
- Institute of Neurosciences; Hospital Clinic of Barcelona; Spain
| | - Miguel Gárriz
- INAD (Institute of Neuropsychiatry and Addiction); MAR Health Park Barcelona Spain
| | - Liliana Ferraz
- Department of Clinical and Health Psychology; Autonomous University of Barcelona; Spain
| | - Eva Baillés
- Department of Experimental and Health Sciences; Pompeu Fabra University; Barcelona Spain
| | - Jordi E. Obiols
- Department of Clinical and Health Psychology; Autonomous University of Barcelona; Spain
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Rauthmann JF, Sherman RA, Funder DC. Principles of Situation Research: Towards a Better Understanding of Psychological Situations. EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PERSONALITY 2015. [DOI: 10.1002/per.1994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 226] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
There is currently no consensus on how to study psychological situations, and situation research is still riddled with problems of conceptualization (what is a situation and what is it not?) and measurement (how can situational information be assessed?). This target article formulates three core principles (with corollaries) to provide a foundation for psychological situation research: the Processing, Reality and Circularity Principles. These principles build upon each other, ranging from basic to more complex issues (e.g. how to study situations in both objective and subjective terms). They are intended to guide and spur more coherent research programs that produce cumulative knowledge on psychological situations. We conclude with a plea for real–life, multi–method, multi–situation, multi–time, multi–group designs that can illuminate the interwoven dynamics between persons (with their personalities and behaviour) and situations. Copyright © 2015 European Association of Personality Psychology
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Laceulle OM, Jeronimus BF, van Aken MAG, Ormel J. Why Not Everyone Gets Their Fair Share of Stress: Adolescent'S Perceived Relationship Affection Mediates Associations between Temperament and Subsequent Stressful Social Events. EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PERSONALITY 2015. [DOI: 10.1002/per.1989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Temperamental differences are associated with subsequent stressful life events, a phenomenon that has in part been attributed to evocation. However, we remain ignorant about the mechanisms that mediate this process. In the current paper, we test whether differences in ‘perceived relationship affection’ accounted for part of the prospective association between temperament and stressful social event evocation in three social domains, viz. parents, peers and romantic partners. Data were derived from the Tracking Adolescents’ Individual Lives Survey, a large population cohort of Dutch adolescents ( n = 1158). Parent–reported adolescent temperament and adolescent's perceived affection were assessed at age 11 years. Stressful social events that occurred between age 11 and 16 years were captured using the event history calendar. Results indicate that adolescents evoke subsequent stressful social events based on their temperament, and that this association is partially mediated by perceived affection. Importantly, we found evidence for both generic and domain–specific associations, which indicates that social domains are related yet distinct. Taken together, the findings suggest that a search for mediating variables may be a promising way to increase our understanding of the mechanisms that underlie the social stress selection principle, and that perceived relationship affection is one of the candidates. Copyright © 2015 European Association of Personality Psychology
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Affiliation(s)
- O. M. Laceulle
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
- Utrecht University, Developmental Psychology, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - B. F. Jeronimus
- Utrecht University, Developmental Psychology, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - M. A. G. van Aken
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - J. Ormel
- Utrecht University, Developmental Psychology, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Briley DA, Tucker-Drob EM. Genetic and environmental continuity in personality development: a meta-analysis. Psychol Bull 2014; 140:1303-31. [PMID: 24956122 PMCID: PMC4152379 DOI: 10.1037/a0037091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 145] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
The longitudinal stability of personality is low in childhood but increases substantially into adulthood. Theoretical explanations for this trend differ in the emphasis placed on intrinsic maturation and socializing influences. To what extent does the increasing stability of personality result from the continuity and crystallization of genetically influenced individual differences, and to what extent does the increasing stability of life experiences explain increases in personality trait stability? Behavioral genetic studies, which decompose longitudinal stability into sources associated with genetic and environmental variation, can help to address this question. We aggregated effect sizes from 24 longitudinal behavioral genetic studies containing information on a total of 21,057 sibling pairs from 6 types that varied in terms of genetic relatedness and ranged in age from infancy to old age. A combination of linear and nonlinear meta-analytic regression models were used to evaluate age trends in levels of heritability and environmentality, stabilities of genetic and environmental effects, and the contributions of genetic and environmental effects to overall phenotypic stability. Both the genetic and environmental influences on personality increase in stability with age. The contribution of genetic effects to phenotypic stability is moderate in magnitude and relatively constant with age, in part because of small-to-moderate decreases in the heritability of personality over child development that offset increases in genetic stability. In contrast, the contribution of environmental effects to phenotypic stability increases from near zero in early childhood to moderate in adulthood. The life-span trend of increasing phenotypic stability, therefore, predominantly results from environmental mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel A Briley
- Department of Psychology and Population Research Center, University of Texas
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Kimonis ER, Centifanti LC, Allen JL, Frick PJ. Reciprocal Influences between Negative Life Events and Callous-Unemotional Traits. JOURNAL OF ABNORMAL CHILD PSYCHOLOGY 2014; 42:1287-98. [DOI: 10.1007/s10802-014-9882-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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Specht J, Bleidorn W, Denissen JJA, Hennecke M, Hutteman R, Kandler C, Luhmann M, Orth U, Reitz AK, Zimmermann J. What Drives Adult Personality Development? A Comparison of Theoretical Perspectives and Empirical Evidence. EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PERSONALITY 2014. [DOI: 10.1002/per.1966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 150] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Increasing numbers of empirical studies provide compelling evidence that personality traits change across the entire lifespan. What initiates this continuing personality development and how does this development proceed? In this paper, we compare six theoretical perspectives that offer testable predictions about why personality develops the way it does and identify limitations and potentials of these perspectives by reviewing how they hold up against the empirical evidence. While all of these perspectives have received some empirical support, there is only little direct evidence for propositions put forward by the five–factor theory of personality and the theory of genotype → environment effects. In contrast, the neo–socioanalytic theory appears to offer a comprehensive framework that fits the empirical findings and allows the integration of other, more specialized, perspectives that focus on specific aspects of personality development like the role of time, systematic differences between categories of social roles or the active partake of the person himself or herself. We draw conclusions on the likely driving factors for adult personality development and identify avenues for future research. Copyright © 2014 European Association of Personality Psychology
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Affiliation(s)
- Jule Specht
- Department of Psychology, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Wiebke Bleidorn
- Department of Developmental Psychology, Tilburg University, Tilburg, Netherlands
| | | | - Marie Hennecke
- Department of Psychology, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Roos Hutteman
- Department of Developmental Psychology, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | | | - Maike Luhmann
- Department of Psychology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Ulrich Orth
- Department of Psychology, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Anne K. Reitz
- Department of Psychology, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Julia Zimmermann
- Columbia Aging Center, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Psychology, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Jena, Germany
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Luhmann M, Orth U, Specht J, Kandler C, Lucas RE. Studying Changes in Life Circumstances and Personality: It's about Time. EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PERSONALITY 2014. [DOI: 10.1002/per.1951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 142] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Most theories of personality development posit that changes in life circumstances (e.g. due to major life events) can lead to changes in personality, but few studies have examined the exact time course of these changes. In this article, we argue that time needs to be considered explicitly in theories and empirical studies on personality development. We discuss six notions on the role of time in personality development. First, people can differ before the event. Second, change can be non–linear and discontinuous. Third, change can be reversible. Fourth, change can occur before the event. Fifth, control groups are needed to disentangle age–related and event–related changes. Sixth, we need to move beyond examining single major life events and study the effects of non–normative events, non–events, multiple events, and minor events on personality. We conclude by summarizing the methodological and theoretical implications of these notions. Copyright © 2014 European Association of Personality Psychology
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Affiliation(s)
- Maike Luhmann
- Department of Psychology, University of Illinois at Chicago, USA
| | - Ulrich Orth
- Department of Psychology, University of Bern, Switzerland
| | - Jule Specht
- Department of Psychology, Freie Universität Berlin, Germany
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Bleidorn W, Kandler C, Caspi A. The Behavioural Genetics of Personality Development in Adulthood—Classic, Contemporary, and Future Trends. EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PERSONALITY 2014. [DOI: 10.1002/per.1957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Behavioural genetic research has led to important advances in the field of personality psychology. When carried out on longitudinal data, behavioural genetic studies also offer promising ways to examine the genetic and environmental origins of personality stability and change. Here, we review the findings of longitudinal twin studies, discuss their implications for our understanding of adult personality development, and point out open questions that need to be addressed by future research. Three general conclusions stand out. First, there is a strong and relatively stable genetic foundation of individual differences in personality throughout the adult life span; second, environmental influences become more important and contribute to an increasing rank–order stability of personality traits from early to middle adulthood; and third, both genetic and nonshared environmental influences contribute to both stability and change in personality traits. Equipped with this knowledge, the most urgent tasks for the next generation of behavioural genetic studies on personality development will be to (i) identify measurable environmental factors that matter and (ii) to capture the interplay between genetic and environmental influences on personality stability and change throughout adulthood. Copyright © 2014 European Association of Personality Psychology
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Affiliation(s)
- Wiebke Bleidorn
- Tilburg University, The Netherlands
- Bielefeld University, Germany
- Duke University, USA
- King's College London, UK
| | - Christian Kandler
- Tilburg University, The Netherlands
- Bielefeld University, Germany
- Duke University, USA
- King's College London, UK
| | - Avshalom Caspi
- Tilburg University, The Netherlands
- Bielefeld University, Germany
- Duke University, USA
- King's College London, UK
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Riese H, Snieder H, Jeronimus BF, Korhonen T, Rose RJ, Kaprio J, Ormel J. Timing of Stressful Life Events Affects Stability and Change of Neuroticism. EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PERSONALITY 2014. [DOI: 10.1002/per.1929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Neuroticism is a predictor of many health problems. To study the determinants of within–subject change in neuroticism, three hypotheses were tested: (i) subjects who experienced stressful life events (SLEs) show an increase in neuroticism; (ii) high baseline neuroticism moderated this effect; and (iii) recent SLEs had a greater impact on neuroticism than distant SLEs. Data came from the Finnish Twin Cohort. Neuroticism data were collected in 1975 and 1981 and SLEs data in 1981 (n = 21 085). By entering baseline neuroticism as a predictor for neuroticism at follow–up, the outcome measure was change in neuroticism. Changes in neuroticism were predicted from SLE indices or their interaction with baseline neuroticism. Timing of SLEs was taken into account by distinguishing recent from distant SLEs. To control for confounding by shared genes and environments, both within–twin pair and between–twin pair effects were tested for monozygotic and dizygotic twin pairs separately. Neuroticism's six–year stability was high (r = .58, p < .001). Exposure to SLEs modestly increased neuroticism (βs > .55, ps < .001), unconfounded by shared genes. This effect was not moderated by high baseline neuroticism. Recent SLEs (.09 < βs < .15) had more impact than distant SLEs (.03 < βs < .11; ps < .01). In conclusion, the findings strongly supported a model of environmentally driven SLEs causing dynamic fluctuations around a person's set point of neuroticism. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harriëtte Riese
- Interdisciplinary Center Pathology and Emotion regulation (ICPE), Department of Psychiatry, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Harold Snieder
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Bertus F. Jeronimus
- Interdisciplinary Center Pathology and Emotion regulation (ICPE), Department of Psychiatry, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Tellervo Korhonen
- Department of Public Health, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Richard J. Rose
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - Jaakko Kaprio
- Department of Public Health, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Institute for Molecular Medicine FIMM, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, National Institute for Health and Welfare, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Johan Ormel
- Interdisciplinary Center Pathology and Emotion regulation (ICPE), Department of Psychiatry, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Durability has traditionally been considered to be a defining feature of personality disorders, but recent studies have challenged this notion. We review the most recent findings on the stability and course of personality pathology. RECENT FINDINGS Personality disorders seem to remit more often and faster than previously thought, and their relapse rate is low. However, the recent optimism regarding these disorders is mitigated by the existence of highly heterogeneous trajectories among patients and traits, the identification of certain methodological shortcomings, and the maintenance of psychosocial impairment long after symptomatic relief. The causes of personality improvement are largely unknown, but involve intermingled genetic and environmental effects. SUMMARY Recent follow-up studies of patients with personality pathology are changing orthodox conceptions of their inevitably negative prognosis. The current taxonomies must be reviewed and future research should be integrated with adjacent fields. Treatments need to target the enduring real-life hardships of these patients, apart from their acute symptoms.
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Power RA, Wingenbach T, Cohen-Woods S, Uher R, Ng MY, Butler AW, Ising M, Craddock N, Owen MJ, Korszun A, Jones L, Jones I, Gill M, Rice JP, Maier W, Zobel A, Mors O, Placentino A, Rietschel M, Lucae S, Holsboer F, Binder EB, Keers R, Tozzi F, Muglia P, Breen G, Craig IW, Müller-Myhsok B, Kennedy JL, Strauss J, Vincent JB, Lewis CM, Farmer AE, McGuffin P. Estimating the heritability of reporting stressful life events captured by common genetic variants. Psychol Med 2013; 43:1965-1971. [PMID: 23237013 DOI: 10.1017/s0033291712002589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although usually thought of as external environmental stressors, a significant heritable component has been reported for measures of stressful life events (SLEs) in twin studies. Method We examined the variance in SLEs captured by common genetic variants from a genome-wide association study (GWAS) of 2578 individuals. Genome-wide complex trait analysis (GCTA) was used to estimate the phenotypic variance tagged by single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). We also performed a GWAS on the number of SLEs, and looked at correlations between siblings. RESULTS A significant proportion of variance in SLEs was captured by SNPs (30%, p = 0.04). When events were divided into those considered to be dependent or independent, an equal amount of variance was explained for both. This 'heritability' was in part confounded by personality measures of neuroticism and psychoticism. A GWAS for the total number of SLEs revealed one SNP that reached genome-wide significance (p = 4 × 10-8), although this association was not replicated in separate samples. Using available sibling data for 744 individuals, we also found a significant positive correlation of R 2 = 0.08 in SLEs (p = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS These results provide independent validation from molecular data for the heritability of reporting environmental measures, and show that this heritability is in part due to both common variants and the confounding effect of personality.
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Affiliation(s)
- R A Power
- MRC Social Genetic and Developmental Psychiatry Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, King's College London, UK.
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Abstract
The Bielefeld Longitudinal Study of Adult Twins (BiLSAT) is a German longitudinal study of monozygotic and dizygotic twins reared together, including more than 1,100 twin pairs aged between 14 and 80 who participated in the first wave. Data were collected at five waves of assessment between 1993 and 2009. Initially, the study focused on genetic and environmental influences on the structure and the development in adult temperament and personality. Today, the study includes a broad range of individual variables, such as personality disorders, major life goals, interests, attitudes, values, life and work satisfaction, and major life events. A special feature of this genetically informative study lies in the multiple-rater approach (i.e., self-reports and peer reports). Longitudinal multiple-rater analyses allow researchers to go beyond the basic nature-nurture decomposition of variance in self-reports examining genetic and environmental influences on stability and change in more accurately measured individual attributes. In the current article, we briefly describe the design and contents of BiLSAT as well as some recent major findings and future plans.
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