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Neurobiological Functioning and the Personality Trait Hierarchy: Central Serotonergic Responsivity and the Stability Meta-trait /
Neurobiological Functioning and the Personality Trait Hierarchy: Central Serotonergic Responsivity and the Stability Meta-trait
- Aidan G.C. Wright
- Kasey Creswell
- Janine Flory
- Matthew Muldoon
- Stephen Manuck
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Description: The trait domains of the five-factor model (FFM) are not orthogonal, and two meta-traits have often been estimated from their covariation. Here we focus on the Stability meta-trait, which reflects shared variance in conscientiousness, agreeableness, and neuroticism (inversely). It has been hypothesized that Stability manifests, in part, due to individual differences in central serotonergic functioning. We test this hypothesis in a community sample (N=441) by estimating multi-informant FFM traits and a Stability factor, and by predicting individual differences in central serotonergic functioning, as assessed by change in serum prolactin concentration following intravenous infusion of the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, citalopram. Results show that trait neuroticism, agreeableness, and conscientiousness, as well as the Stability meta-trait, significantly predict prolactin response. These effects were non-linear, emerging most strongly for those highest (lowest for neuroticism) in the traits. This study provides the first direct test and support of the serotonergic theory of Stability.