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Relations of serotonin function to personality: current views and a key methodological issue
Charles S Carver1, Christopher J Miller
1Department of Psychology, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL 33124-0751, United States. Ccarver@miami.edu
Psychiatry Research
|August 18, 2006
Summary
Serotonin function is linked to impulsivity and hostility, but its connection to anxiety is unclear. Future research should differentiate between incentive sensitivity, threat sensitivity, and impulsiveness for better understanding of personality traits.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychology
- Behavioral Genetics
Background:
- Biological underpinnings of personality are increasingly studied.
- Serotonergic functioning is a key area of investigation.
- Previous research suggests links between serotonin and personality traits.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the evidence linking serotonin function to personality traits.
- To critically evaluate the relationship between serotonin and anxiety proneness.
- To recommend improved methodologies for future research in this area.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing scientific literature and studies.
- Analysis of how personality assessment tools and data examination influence findings.
- Examination of theoretical assumptions guiding research interpretations.
Main Results:
- Evidence supports a link between serotonin function and impulsivity.
- A moderate association is observed between serotonin function and hostility.
- The relationship between serotonin function and anxiety proneness is questionable and often contrary to theoretical predictions.
Conclusions:
- The interpretation of serotonin's role in personality is dependent on assessment methods and theoretical frameworks.
- Future research should employ measures that clearly distinguish between incentive sensitivity, threat sensitivity, and impulsiveness.
- Investigating separate facets of these personality qualities is crucial for advancing understanding.