Twenty candidate genes predicting neuroticism and sensation seeking personality traits: A multivariate analysis association approach

Comparison of typical Thai and Hungarian personality profiles using the Zuckerman-Kuhlman-Aluja Personality Questionnaire

The aim of our study was to compare typical Thai and Hungarian personality profiles of the Zuckerman-Kuhlman-Aluja Personality Questionnaire (ZKA-PQ). 672 Thai and 647 Hungarian were included in our study. The distribution of age, gender and education level were matched. The ZKA-PQ was administered that measures Aggression, Extraversion, Activity, Sensation Seeking and Neuroticism. We tested reliability, the structural invariance and analyzed aggregated mean profiles for cultures as well as typical profiles by cluster analyses. Reliability of factors were acceptable in both cultures, but some facets (especially AC3 Restlessness) showed low reliability. The global Tucker's coefficient of congruence (TCC) for cross-cultural factorial invariance was 95. We have also run a Multigroup Confirmatory Factor Analysis, but fit indices were not adequate. Cross-cultural neural network invariance was not met either. Hungarians scored significantly higher on Extraversion, Sensation Seeking, Aggression and Activity. Cluster-analyses revealed six typical profiles: Introverted impulsive, Reserved, Resilients, Overcontrolled, Aggressive impulsive and Positive sensation seeker. Majority of first two clusters were Thai respondents, majority for last two clusters were Hungarians. In sum, there were some cross-cultural congruence in factor structure, but strict invariance was not fulfilled. Comparison of mean profiles remain tentative, but cluster analysis revealed cross-cultural differences in typical profiles.

Quantitative behavioral genetic and molecular genetic foundations of the approach and avoidance strategies

Two studies examined genetic and environmental influences on traits proposed by the revised Reinforcement Sensitivity Theory (rRST) of personality. Both quantitative and molecular behavioral genetic methods were applied considering the effects of COMT, DRD2, HTR1A and TPH2 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Study one included 274 monozygotic and 154 dizygotic twins for the quantitative behavioral study; and in study two there were 431 twins for the molecular genetic study. The Reinforcement Sensitivity Questionnaire was used to assess basic personality traits defined by the rRST. Univariate biometric modeling suggested that genetic influences accounted for 34-44% of variance of Behavioral Approach System (BAS), Behavioral Inhibition System (BIS) and Fight-Fligh-Freeze System. Molecular genetic analyses proposed the significant main effect of COMT SNP on the BAS and TPH2 SNP on the BIS, and pointed out epistatic effects of COMT x DRD2 on BAS and HTR1A x TPH2 on Fight. Results demonstrated substantial heritability for all rRST constructs, as well as for differences in the molecular genetic basis of both approach-related and avoidance-related dimensions.

Escala Búsqueda de Sensaciones (Forma V) de Zuckerman estudio psicométrico en población adolescente Mexicana

El rasgo de Búsqueda de Sensaciones (BS), se concibe como La necesidad de sensaciones y experiencias nuevas, variadas y complejas, y el deseo de arriesgarse con el fin de obtenerlas. Este rasgo se asocia con mayor riesgo de realizar conductas peligrosas y con diferentes trastornos mentales. Sin embargo, en México no disponemos de una adaptación de la escala más utilizada para evaluar la BS. Por ello, el objetivo de la presente investigación es estudiar las propiedades psicométricas de la Escala Búsqueda de Sensaciones – Forma V (Sensation Seeking Scale – Form V), analizando su consistencia interna, su validez convergente y fiabilidad considerando la naturaleza dicotómica de los datos. Participaron 334 estudiantes de secundaria, con edades comprendidas entre 12 y 15 años tanto mujeres (n=171) como hombres (n=163). En los resultados se identificaron 20 ítems que se distribuían en tres factores mediante un análisis factorial exploratorio que se calculó con la mitad de la muestra, esta estructura mostró un ajuste adecuado en el análisis confirmatorio que se realizó con la otra parte de la muestra (χ2 = 213.78, gl = 167, p< 0.05, CFI = 0.93, TLI = 0.91, RMSEA = 0.04). Se calcularon los índices de fiabilidad (KR = 0.78, omega = 0.94), se encontraron correlaciones con la escala de impulsividad (r = .39), la escala de uso de sustancias (r =.31 ) y con depresión (r = .26 ). Tanto en la escala total como en los factores se observaron mayores puntuaciones en hombres que en mujeres.

Associations Among Monoamine Neurotransmitter Pathways, Personality Traits, and Major Depressive Disorder

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a complex psychiatric disease requiring multidisciplinary approaches to identify specific risk factors and establish more efficacious treatment strategies. Although the etiology and pathophysiology of MDD are not clear until these days, it is acknowledged that they are almost certainly multifactorial and comprehensive. Monoamine neurotransmitter system dysfunction and specific personality traits are independent risk factors for depression and suicide. These factors also demonstrate complex interactions that influence MDD pathogenesis and symptom expression. In this review, we assess these relationships with the aim of providing a reference for the development of precision medicine.