Original article: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/releases/275223.php
To learn more about procrastination, visit: http://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/newHTE_96.htm
Thursday, April 10, 2014
Procrastination and Impulsivity are Genetically Linked
In this article, procrastination and impulsivity are genetically linked. This suggests that these two traits come from similar evolutionary origins, according to research published in Psychological Science, a journal of the Association for Psychological Science. The research indicates that these traits are related to our ability to successfully pursue and handle goals. In order to understand these traits, twins were studied. Identical twins share 100% of their genes and tend to show greater similarities in behavior than fraternal twins, who only share 50% of their genes (just like any other siblings). Researchers use this genetic discrepancy to their advantage in order to figure out the relative importance of genetic and environmental influences on particular behaviors, like procrastination and impulsivity. The researchers had 181 identical-twin pairs and 166 fraternal-twin pairs complete several surveys intended to examine their tendencies toward impulsivity and procrastination, as well as their ability to set and maintain goals. They discovered that procrastination and impulsivity are heritable. In addition to that, there is a complete genetic overlap between procrastination and impulsivity , meaning there are no genetic influences that are unique to either trait alone. Basically, procrastination is an evolutionary byproduct of impulsivity which most likely manifests itself more in the modern world than in the world of our ancestors. Also, the link between procrastination and impulsivity overlapped genetically with the ability to manage goals. Researchers are now studying how procrastination and impulsivity are related to higher-level cognitive abilities.
Original article: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/releases/275223.php
To learn more about procrastination, visit: http://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/newHTE_96.htm
Original article: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/releases/275223.php
To learn more about procrastination, visit: http://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/newHTE_96.htm
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This is very interesting. I feel like we sometimes forget that our characteristics, such as procrastination and impulsiveness are genetic. Both of my parents are very "pro-active" people who get things done, I am the same way as well.. I guess that gene skipped my brother!
ReplyDeleteI am a fraternal triplet and can attest to the differences in impulsiveness and procrastination between my sisters and I. We all all very different when it comes to the pace at which we set and reach goals, yet the goals are always accomplished. I can now give thanks to my parents who have taught us to never settle and always reach for our dreams!
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