Scientists have been studying the role of genetics and environment in the formation of human personality for many years. According to experts, although DNA is an important factor, the environment and culture in which one lives have as much influence as genes.
Medianews.az reports that studies mainly compare identical and fraternal twins.
The differences between identical twins, whose DNA is almost the same, and fraternal twins, who share about half of their genes, more clearly show the impact of the environment.
In a comprehensive analysis published in 2015, covering 50 years of data, 17 traits of 14 million twins worldwide were studied. The results in indicators such as education level, political views, mental health, and personality traits showed that on average, only 50 percent of the differences are explained by genetic factors.
Research also reveals that more than half of the intelligence quotient (IQ) is hereditary, but approximately 40 percent of personality traits are related to genetics. In the remaining part, environmental factors play a more dominant role.
Psychiatric geneticist Ziada Ayorex, working at Oslo University, states that everyone's DNA is unique and the basic genetic structure does not change according to the place of residence. According to her, genetics alone does not shape a person: "We often tend to choose environments that match our genetic characteristics."
Experts believe that a person's identity is determined by both inherited factors and the social-cultural environment in which they live together.
Medianews.az