Genetic association study within the framework of Zuckerman's psychobiological personality model

Abstract

Following Zuckerman's psychobiological personality model, a series of genetic association hypotheses between some polymorphisms of Serotonin, Testosterone, Dopamine, MAO-A and COMT, and three temperamental traits (Impulsive Unsocialized Sensation Seeking, Neuroticism, and Extroversion-Sociability) were tested. In order to surpass previous limitations of this kind of studies: 1) the measurement of the phenotype was improved by using eight personality scales, and 2) some statistical analyses were conducted to test conjointly the effects of the considered polymorphisms. 252 participants from two samples (147 male inmates, and 105 male healthy volunteers) were analyzed. A tendency in the theoretical expected direction is reported when several polymorphisms are considered conjointly. The discussion section recommends applying more integrative frameworks to explore the complex paths from genetics to behavior.