Could Our Genes Determine If We Are Going To Be More Optimistic or Pessimistic?

Hello Everyone

Is it possible that there is a genetic reason why some people tend to be pessimists and others optimists?

Evidently some people actually do see the world more darkly.  It now seems that what people see in everyday life could depend on their genetic makeup.  There is a specific gene which is known to play a part in emotional memories and this could also impact where people focus their attention.

A Cornell University psychologist, Adam Anderson, believes that "our brains filter what we see and that emotions have a powerful influence on how we see the world."

About half of the Caucasian population have a gene in which specific amino acids are missing and this tends to give them an elevated awareness of negative stimuli.

Individuals with the missing amino acids from the ADRA2B gene have more norepinephrine.  This means they experience memories more intensely and are more likely to observe any negative events.

Could this information create more tolerance in society?  It adds to the saying that there is no right nor wrong in the world - just difference.

Roz Townsend  www.roztownsend.com

Source:             Meeri Kim  Washington Post