Carver, C. S., & Miller, C. J. (2006). Relations of serotonin function to personality: Current views and a key methodological issue. Psychiatry Research, 144, 1-15.
Studies of biological underpinnings of personality suggest that
serotonergic functioning relates to certain personality traits.
However, how to interpret the findings depends partly on assumptions
about how personality is organized. These assumptions are reflected in
the assessment devices used and also in how the data are examined.
Review of evidence to date appears to link serotonin function to
impulsivity and, to some extent, to hostility. The relation of
serotonin function to anxiety proneness is far more questionable.
Indeed, when such a relation occurs, it often takes a form opposite of
the direction argued by theory. It is recommended that research use
measures that discriminate adequately among personality qualities
reflecting incentive sensitivity, threat sensitivity, and
impulsiveness. Indeed, it is highly desirable to examine facets of each
of these qualities separately.
To request a reprint of this article, click
here.
Carver Publications