Abstract
The study of the biological basis of personality is a timely research endeavor, with the aim of deepening our understanding of human nature. In recent years, a growing body of research has investigated the role of the brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the context of individual differences across human beings, with a focus on personality traits. A large number of different approaches have been chosen to illuminate the role of BDNF for personality, ranging from the measurement of BDNF in the serum/plasma to molecular genetics to (genetic) brain imaging. The present review provides the reader with an overview of the current state of affairs in the context of BDNF and personality.
Highlights
Beyond the scientist’s pure curiosity in this topic, the study of personality yields important insights into the nature of humans
Individual differences in emotional reactions towards environmental demands can be studied in other mammalian species, humans, because the primary emotional systems are evolutionarily conserved across phylogenetic parts of the mammalian brain [12]
The 66Met allele was associated with higher introversion in two samples; an interaction effect could be observed between brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) Val66Met and 5-HTTLPR on neuroticism: carriers of the BDNF Val66Val genotype carrying the LL variant of 5-HTTLPR showed lowest neuroticism scores
Summary
For a better understanding of the above introduced term “traits,” it needs to be mentioned that in some situations a person will always show a particular emotional reaction such as being sad, for example, when a beloved person has died or a relationship has broken up This relates to the present mood of a person and is strongly influenced by the demands of a situation. Individual differences in emotional reactions towards environmental demands can be studied in other mammalian species, humans, because the primary emotional systems (on which BDNF can act as a transmitter) are evolutionarily conserved across phylogenetic parts of the mammalian brain [12]. For a better understanding of the studies presented below, I would note that correlations between Eysenck’s constructs neuroticism and extraversion and the same dimensions measured with the Five Factor Model are very high
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
