The Genetic Structure of Cloninger's Psychobiological Model of Personality in Adolescence

• Background: Cloninger’s psychobiological model is based on differences between procedural versus propositional learning, leading to the distinction between four temperament and three character dimensions. In contrast to Cloninger’s original theory, association studies and quantitative genetic studies have suggested at least equally (if not more) importance of genes and genetic effects behind characterdimensions as compared to temperament dimensions. We aimed to investigate the genetic structure of Cloninger’s model in a large population-based study group of adolescent twins to capture the developing personality. Methods: To understand which factors contributed to the seven TCI dimensions, we conducted univariate genetic analysis, using a model-fitting approach with structural equation-modeling techniques. Subjects: 831 monozygotic (MZ) or same-sex dizygotic (DZ) twin pairs aged 15 completed the Temperament and Character Inventory (TCI). Results: Three of the four temperament dimensions (Novelty Seeking, Harm Avoidance; Persistence) showed genetic contributions and unique environmental effects, supporting the original theoretical assumption and previous studies. As predicted by theory, all three character dimensions could be referred to genetic, common environmental, and unique environmental factors, with a considerably lower degree of genetic determinance (see Table 1). Conclusions: In contrast to previously published findings, the results presented here support the robustness of the original TCI structure.

Ämnesord

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Klinisk medicin -- Psykiatri (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Clinical Medicine -- Psychiatry (hsv//eng)

SAMHÄLLSVETENSKAP  -- Psykologi (hsv//swe)

SOCIAL SCIENCES  -- Psychology (hsv//eng)

Nyckelord

Adolescence

Cloninger’s Psychobiological Model

Personality

Temperament and Character Inventory

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