Personality Differences and Development: Genetic and Environmental Contributions

Kandler C, Bleidorn W. Personality Differences and Development: Genetic and Environmental Contributions. In: Wright JD, ed. International Encyclopedia of the Social & Behavioral Sciences. Amsterdam : Elsevier; 2015: 884-890.In the twenty-first century, behavioral genetic research has broadened our knowledge about the origins of personality differences and development. On average, genetic factors account for more than 50% of the variance in accurate measures of personality traits. However, heritability estimates of personality traits steadily decrease with age. Genetic factors represent the primary source of long-term continuity of individual differences in personality, but also account for change – articularly in younger ages. On the other hand, environmental factors represent the primary source of personality change in every period of life, but also contribute to the relatively high stability of personality differences throughout the adult life span