Rewiring My Brain… and Maybe Yours Too
Charles Darwin stated that “It is not the strongest of the species that survive, nor the most intelligent, but the one most responsive to change.”
Those best fit to survive are the ones with strong neuroplasticity—especially when it comes to resilience. Our level of resilience shapes how our genes translate into phenotypes, which in turn influences our personality. Our internal state determines how we experience and respond to the world around us. If we can master our inner state, we can transform our reactions to life’s challenges—potentially turning negativity into opportunities for growth, cultivating greater awareness, and boosting serotonin, all of which positively influence our personality.
Have you ever taken that personality test with 16 different combinations to help identify the type of person you are?
Warmth (A) – Reserved vs. Warm
Reasoning (B) – Concrete thinking vs. Abstract thinking
Emotional Stability (C) – Reactive vs. Emotionally stable
Dominance (E) – Deferential vs. Dominant
Liveliness (F) – Serious vs. Enthusiastic
Rule-Consciousness (G) – Expedient vs. Rule-following
Social Boldness (H) – Shy vs. Socially bold
Sensitivity (I) – Utilitarian vs. Sensitive
Vigilance (L) – Trusting vs. Suspicious
Abstractedness (M) – Practical vs. Imaginative
Privateness (N) – Forthright vs. Private
Apprehension (O) – Self-assured vs. Apprehensive
Openness to Change (Q1) – Traditional vs. Open to change
Self-Reliance (Q2) – Group-oriented vs. Self-reliant
Perfectionism (Q3) – Tolerates disorder vs. Perfectionistic
Tension (Q4) – Relaxed vs. Tense
Well, epigenetic was one of my favorite courses in undergrad. Our environment changes our DNA, and there are genetic sites associated with our personality traits. Yale researchers conducted a meta-analysis identifying over 200 genetic loci linked to the “Big Five” personality traits:
Extraversion
Openness
Agreeableness
Neuroticism
Conscientiousness.
These Big Five traits can be broken down into combinations that map onto those 16 personality types. The Yale researchers also identified correlations between personality traits and various mental health conditions. For example, there is a strong overlap between neuroticism—a trait marked by negative emotionality—and depression and anxiety. Meanwhile, people who are highly agreeable, a trait associated with strong interpersonal harmony, were less likely to experience neuroticism or depression.
In my opinion, high emotional stability reflects how well someone stays calm, resilient, and steady under pressure, so it would have the most positive effect in forming your personality, thought processes, and the amount of stress you place on yourself.
Now it’s exciting that our genetics shape our personality, but can we change it too? Based on epigenetics, the answer is yes. Just because there is a genetic basis for associations between personality traits and certain mental health conditions, it doesn’t mean those associations last a lifetime.
For Neuroticism, there are many genes involved in the serotonin and stress-response pathways - some include: SLC6A4, COMT, CRHR1, FKBP5, BDNF
For Extraversion, genes involved in reward seeking and social approach behaviors controls this trait - some include: DRD family
For Openness, genes involved in cognition, information processing, and neural connectivity - which is highly polygenic (multiple gene) but can include DRD family, COMT, BDNF gene, or those that effect the glutamate pathways such as NMDA.
For Conscientiousness, genes related to executive control, such as COMT and prefrontal cortex signaling have the most effect
For Agreeableness, genes related to our happiness will effect our ability to get along with others- This includes serotonin and oxytocin pathway genes.
Your personality will adapt and change over time based on your experiences and long-term environmental exposure. There is a strong temporal relationship. Interestingly, increased stress—and increased cortisol and adrenaline levels—can significantly influence gene expression. Psychological stressors such as traumatic events, work demands, relationship conflicts, and health problems can all raise stress hormones, leading to genetic changes.
There is no one gene that defines our personality. On a molecular level, these stressors cause DNA methylation, which adds methyl groups to DNA and coils genes into a “closed” or repressed state, preventing their expression. When this occurs in loci related to personality traits, it can contribute to depression-like symptoms. For example, if the SLC6A4 (Serotonin Transporter Gene) or HTR1 family (Seratonin Receptor Genes) is closed, then we will have lower seratonin production which will lower our mood and make us irritable or have more negative thoughts. Same goes for Dopamine genes like DRD family of genes. There is also a COMT gene and MOA gene, less studied in school, for cognition and stress regulation and reaction, effecting our ability to be open. If we are not unable to self reflect, be aware of situations, and practice discernment, then we may not regulate stress well.
To counter this, transforming our reactions into more positive interpretations of events can reduce stress and cortisol levels, gradually altering methylation patterns and, over time, shifting aspects of our personality. By rewiring our brain through intentional thoughts and experiences, we train our neuroplasticity. Cultivating a positive mindset makes us more resilient, more creative, better equipped to handle life’s challenges, and can quite literally improve our health.
References:
Fahkry, T. (n.d.). Master your mindset: Why your inner state matters more than external circumstances. Tony Fahkry. https://www.tonyfahkry.com/master-your-mindset-why-your-inner-state-matters-more-than-external-circumstances/
Novus Biologicals. (n.d.). Epigenetics of depression: How can psychological stress alter your DNA? Novus Biologicals. https://www.novusbio.com/antibody-news/epigenetics-of-depression-how-can-psychological-stress-alter-your-dna
Yale School of Medicine. (2022). How genes shape personality traits: New links are discovered. Yale Medicine News. https://medicine.yale.edu/news-article/how-genes-shape-personality-traits-new-links-are-discovered/
Kendler, K. S., & Baker, J. H. (2007). Genetic influences on measures of the environment: A systematic review. Psychological Medicine, 37(5), 615–626. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3271092/
