Table of contents:
- Determine the relationship between sensitive traits and genetic inheritance
- Being sensitive is a genetic factor?
- Tips for managing sensitive traits
Are you a sensitive person who gets emotional easily? Some people are more sensitive and this trait is not only related to personality. According to a recent study in the UK, your sensitive trait could be genetic inherited from your parents.
Over the years, many researchers have looked for links between personality and genetic conditions. Who would have thought, the collection of genes that make up a person's body also plays a role in shaping his personality. Like what is the scientific explanation?
Determine the relationship between sensitive traits and genetic inheritance
There are many factors that make a person sensitive. According to a recent study led by Queen Mary University of London, UK, almost part of these factors are genetic.
In this study, the researchers compared the gene pairs of identical and non-identical twins aged 17 years. The aim was to look at the effect that appeared on the genes after these children had both positive and negative experiences.
The researchers wanted to see how sensitive the genes were. In this way, they wanted to find out whether genetic factors had a bigger role in shaping personality than environmental influences.
This study involved the personality of twins because identical twins share the exact same genes, while non-identical twins do not. If a pair of identical twins do not have the same sensitive traits, it means that this trait is different for each person and has nothing to do with genetic factors.
The study participants were asked to fill out a questionnaire created by Michael Pluess, the lead researcher and a professor of developmental psychology. The questionnaire is used to assess how sensitive they are to the surrounding environment.
The questionnaire also assessed the type of sensitive traits they had, which is between being more sensitive to positive or negative experiences. The answers in the questionnaire will also be examined and linked to parenting styles.
The researchers also linked the participants' sensitive traits to a personality trait known as the Big Five Personality Model. The five are openness, caution, extraversion, ease of getting along, and neuroticism.
Being sensitive is a genetic factor?
After researching, it turns out that about 47% of differences in a person's sensitive traits are determined by genetic factors. Meanwhile, the remaining 53% is the result of environmental influences. These two factors seem to influence personality in a fairly balanced way.
The results of the questionnaire also showed that genetic factors also determine whether children are more sensitive to positive or negative experiences. If the child is more sensitive to negative experiences, this may be because the child is more easily stressed when faced with difficult situations.
On the other hand, children who are more sensitive to positive experiences may be well cared for by their parents and get good influence from their schooling. These two factors enable them to face difficult situations better.
The researchers also looked at the relationship between genetic factors, sensitive traits, and traits in the Big Five Model of Personality Theory. According to the results of the analysis, there are genetic factors in common in sensitive traits, neuroticism, and extraversion.
Neuroticism is a trait that makes a person more irritable, anxious, self-doubtful, and other negative emotions. While extraversion indicates how social and open a person is to their environment (extroverted attitude).
Tips for managing sensitive traits
Sensitivity is a very common character. This trait can be both an advantage and a drawback, depending on the effect it has on you. However, one thing is for sure, being sensitive is neither a weakness nor a bad thing.
Even if it's tiring, don't let your sensitive nature make you withdraw from the activities you enjoy. Don't let high emotional intelligence cause you to isolate yourself or force you to be someone else.
Naturally, this trait overwhelms you. You can overcome sensitive feelings with a few simple steps.
- Practice mindfulnessthat is, focus on how you feel right now by separating the other thoughts that are filling your head.
- Changing the way of thinking, for example by not guessing something that is not sure when faced with a problem.
- Distract your emotions with activities you enjoy.
- Keep a daily journal about the emotions you feel.
- Take care of yourself by eating nutritious foods, getting enough sleep, and so on.
If you have a sensitive trait, remember that it is your genetic makeup that makes you who you are. With emotional management, you can even make this trait your strength.
