{
  "id": 5135494,
  "title": "Personality Is Linked to Genes, New Study Finds",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/02/personality-is-linked-to-genes-new-study-finds",
  "topic": "science",
  "section": "Science",
  "published": "2026-09-02T17:21:27.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Time",
    "slug": "time",
    "url": "https://time.com/article/2026/09/02/personality-is-linked-to-genes-study/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Personality, a complex mix of traits, comes in a variety of forms—from those who enjoy socializing to those who prefer solitude. Psychologists have identified five key dimensions, known as the \"Big Five,\" which include extraversion, openness to experience, agreeableness, neuroticism, and conscientiousness. These traits are consistently measured through questionnaires taken throughout a person's life. While the origins of these traits are still under investigation, new research has uncovered a significant link between genetics and personality. A study published in Nature on September 2 analyzed the genes of over a million individuals who also completed personality questionnaires. The research identified over 1,000 genetic variants that contribute to each of the Big Five traits, revealing that genetics plays a role in shaping our personality. This finding opens up new avenues for research into the intersection of personality and biology, helping to answer questions about how our personality develops. Denis Bratko, a psychologist at the University of Zagreb, notes that psychologists have long suspected that some aspects of personality are genetically influenced. However, previous studies had not found clear correlations due to small sample sizes and the belief that only a few genes could have a significant effect on personality. To overcome these limitations, the new study collaborated with researchers worldwide who manage extensive data repositories combining genomic information and personality data. The study found that the genetic variants linked to each Big Five trait are numerous, with each having a subtle impact on personality. Furthermore, the study discovered that these genetic factors can predict various life outcomes, such as susceptibility to COVID-19 early in the pandemic for individuals with extraverted traits. People high on openness to experience tended to live in cosmopolitan cities, while those higher on neuroticism tended to settle in affluent suburbs. Overall, the research suggests that genetics accounts for approximately 13% of personality variation, reinforcing the notion that personality is a combination of both genetic and environmental factors. While personality is not necessarily inherited, meaning an extravert may not have extraverted children, the complexity of the relationship between genes and personality is evident. Exploring the genetic basis of personality could provide valuable insights into the neurobiology of personality and potentially lead to early interventions for mental health conditions. However, Nivard cautions that while genomic tests could indicate predispositions, they should not replace validated personality tests for self-reflection.",
  "summary": "The largest study of its kind has uncovered the genetic links of traits like extraversion and agreeableness.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}