Ever wondered how much of your personality was tied to your genetics? Or what parts of your personality you may be able to change? Colin DeYoung, PhD, associate professor in the Department of Psychology at the University of Minnesota answers these questions and more on the podcast Here We Are hosted by Shane Mauss, comedian and science enthusiast.
A returning guest to the show, DeYoung covers a broad spectrum of topics. DeYoung breaks down the idea that genes shape general personality traits that then have cascading effects on our personality as our environment comes into play. He also explains that most traits are fairly similarly affected by genetics with some traits such as neuroticism being easier to change through things such as psychotherapy than others.
DeYoung also discusses how humans are goal-directed beings. When we set a goal for ourselves, whether consciously or unconsciously, our brain keeps track of our progress. We can improve our well-being by recognizing that we do not know all that we value but discover these values through further exploration of our unconscious mind.
Watch the full episode on Here We Are’s YouTube channel.
Composed by Flora Pollack, communications assistant.