Reviewed by John M. Grohol, Psy.D. on September 16, 2011
Researchers have identified a genetic connection to optimism, self-esteem and perceived control over one’s life – factors that are critical for coping with stress and depression.
While researchers are confident they found a genetic connection to psychological states, they point out that while genes may predict behavior, they do not determine it. That is, environmental factors, family, friends and even other genes all interact to determine behavior.
In the current investigation, researchers were surprised when they pinpointed this particular gene.
“I have been looking for this gene for a few years, and it is not the gene I expected,†said Dr. Shelley E. Taylor, a distinguished professor of psychology at UCLA and senior author of the new research. “I knew there had to be a gene for these psychological resources.”
The research is currently published in the online edition of the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS).
Read in Full:
http://psychcentral.com/news/2011/09/16/gene-may-impact-self-esteem-and-optimism/29486.html
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