What’s in our genes: International research team identifies over 1,000 markers linked to human personality
12-Oct-2026
enes or environment? Which has the greater influence on who we are? This question has been debated for decades. An answer has now been found regarding human personality: whether we are shy or brave, tidy or rather chaotic is partly determined by our genes. This is shown by a large-scale study published in the journal Nature. An international research team has analysed the genetic material of over a million people. The Leibniz Research Centre for Working Environments and Human Factors Dortmund (IfADo) also contributed to the study, providing data from the Dortmund Vital Study.
Over a million people, more than 1,000 genetic markers
For the study, the team compiled data from 46 studies across the globe. Depending on the trait under investigation, between 611,000 and 1.14 million people took part. In all studies, DNA samples were taken and the five well- known personality traits from the so-called ‘Big Five’ model were examined: Extraversion (how open and sociable someone is), Agreeableness (how friendly and considerate), Conscientiousness (how organised and reliable), Neuroticism (how anxious or balanced) and Openness to Experience (how curious and imaginative).
To do this, the team used a method known as a genome-wide association study, or GWAS for short. This involves comparing the genetic material of a very large number of people to identify where differences occur that are linked to a particular trait. In this way, the team found 1,260 genetic loci associated with personality. 824 of these were previously unknown.