Association between serotonin transporter genotype and extraversion.
Despite the long-standing recognition that extraversion is partially heritable, few specific genes have been found to be associated significantly with this personality trait. The purpose of this study was to examine the association between a functional genetic polymorphism of the serotonin transporter promoter region (5-HTTLPR) and extraversion. Caucasian participants (N=183) were genotyped for the 5-HTTLPR; extraversion scores for participants homozygous for the short allele (s/s) were compared with those participants carrying at least one long allele (s/l and l/l). An s/s genotype at 5-HTTLPR was significantly associated with self ratings of reduced extraversion (P=0.012); presence versus absence of the long allele explained 3.4% of the variance in extraversion. These findings provide support for the effect of the 5-HTTLPR, and for the serotonergic system more broadly, on behaviors related to extraversion.
Gillihan
Seth J
SJ
Center for Cognitive Neuroscience, Department of Psychology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia 19104-3403, Pennsylvania, USA.
Farah
Martha J
MJ
Sankoorikal
Geena Mary V
GM
Breland
Jessica
J
Brodkin
Edward S
ES
D000328:Adult; D005120:Extraversion, Psychological; D005260:Female; D005838:Genotype; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010551:Personality / Q000235:genetics*; D010555:Personality Inventory; D011110:Polymorphism, Genetic; D050486:Serotonin Plasma Membrane Transport Proteins / Q000235:genetics*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D044465:White People / Q000235:genetics
D050486:Serotonin Plasma Membrane Transport Proteins