Traits can be said to be the characteristics that make up a human being’s personality. Different traits may be used to describe an individual, and some of them are agreeableness, extroversion, and openness. Temperament incorporates these traits, and one develops a unique perception and behavior which is consistent, especially in one’s adulthood (Saudino, 2015). Biology is seen to play a major role in influencing children’s temperaments and personality traits, with outcomes being a result of genetic determination.
Members of a family who share various temperaments may attribute this to a shared genetic structure. An example can be seen in the Minnesota studies of twins reared apart, conducted using identical twins (Cherry, 2020). These are twins who share 100 percent of their DNA. Non-identical twins, who share about half of their DNA composition, were also integrated into the studies to show how genetics play a role in influencing temperament. The results revealed that the twins shared the same personality and temperaments when raised together or apart (Cherry, 2020). This shows how genes influence the temperaments and personalities of children.
Studies have also shown that genes play an important role in temperament. These particular genes are involved in cell and brain communications. Different variations in genes contribute to specific traits, and an example is seen in the DRD2 and DRD4 genes, which have been connected to a desire to try out new experiences (Saudino, 2015). The MAOA gene has been connected to introversion traits (Saudino, 2015). These studies conducted provide evidence-based research on how temperament and personality have a biological basis in children. The genetic structure of these individuals plays a crucial role in how these children react to the world.
References
Cherry, K. (2020). Are personality traits caused by genes or environment? Verywell Mind. Web.
Saudino, K. J. (2015). Behavioral genetics and child temperament.Journal of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics: JDBP, 26(3), 214–223. Web.