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Personality types and hardwired foundations.

Scholars that recognize the importance of genetic hardwiring in the formation of personality supported with the advances in neuroscience tend to also support the presence of universal personality structures across cultures. For example in the West the research on the so-called type A personality describe an extremely competitive behavior pattern that probably evolved to help the individual adapt and cope with the modern competitive society (Friedman & Roseman, 1974). Others researchers (McCrae & Costa, 1987) have used the statistical tools of factor analysis to reduce the complexity of personality traits finding common factors that define personality structure. The so-called Big Five personality traits are thought to be genetically determined and independent factors that describe personality structure across varying cultures.

Research has been produced evidence that supports at least the partial heritability of personality traits (Plomin & Caspi, 1998). Studies of identical and fraternal twins show conclusively that personality trait similarity is based on shared genetic heritability. As noted earlier studies of the personalities of identical twins reared apart show a greater similarity in traits compared to fraternal twins reared together in the same home. Since trait similarities are reliable even when identical twins are reared apart the results strongly suggest a genetic component to some aspects of personality (Loehlin, 1992; Miller, 2012).

Traits found early in development are consistently displayed over the lifespan. Longitudinal studies have shown that children identified as shy at nine months develop elevated levels of stress hormone cortisol associated with fear (Kagan, 1989). Neuroticism is associated with a heightened activation of the autonomic nervous system involved in subjective stress (Zuckerman, 1996). On the positive side extraversion is related to higher levels of the neurotransmitter dopamine that is in turn predictive of approach related behaviors (DePue, 1995). Clearly personality cannot be understood apart from our biological inheritance. People react consistently to the varying manifestations of these traits. These reactions in turn play a significant role in how we develop as persons and how we form more complex self-identities (Malatesta, 1990).


Date: 2015-01-11; view: 830


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