How genes influence personality: Evidence from multi-facet twin analyses of the HEXACO dimensions

Gary J. Lewis, Timothy C. Bates

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract / Description of output

Much of the variation in human personality is described by five to six dimensions. Less clear, however, is whether these dimensions are underpinned by similarly coherent and unified biological bases. Using the HEXACO traits, we tested whether genetic covariance within each dimension was underpinned by a single common genetic factor using three distinct classes of multivariate model. For each of the six factors, only a single common genetic basis was required to explain genetic covariation among the facets, along with facet-specific genetic effects. These findings provide support for personality models positing that the major dimensions of personality are each underpinned by a unified and coherent biological architecture.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)9-17
JournalJournal of Research in Personality
Volume51
Early online date24 Apr 2014
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Aug 2014

Keywords / Materials (for Non-textual outputs)

  • Genetics
  • Twin study
  • Personality
  • HEXACO
  • Multivariate

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