Analysis of genetic influences on the consistency and variability of the big five across different stressful situations

Several studies have demonstrated that individual differences in personalit y traits, known as the Big Five, have a genetic component. These personalit y traits are considered important predictors of everyday behaviour. In addi tion to personality traits there are also factors in the environment that g overn behaviour This dual influence on behaviour is statistically, reflecte d in a P x S interaction. This study examines the genetic and environmental influences on the interactions between a person and his daily life environ ment for the Big Five. Fifty-seven identical twin pairs and 43 fraternal tw in pairs participated in this study. Trait related behaviour was measured i n 30 different situations with the aid of an SR inventory. The heritability coefficients for the main effect of P were in the normal range, varying be tween 0.35 for Agreeableness and 0.53 for Conscientiousness. The heritabili ty coefficients for the P x S interactions were moderately high, explaining between 26% and 69% of the total P x S variance. The consequences of these results for general and behavioural genetic research oil the Big Five will be discussed. Copyright (C) 2001 John Wiley, & Sons, Ltd.