• Question: Why do some people have a shorter temper than other people? Is it to do with how they grew up?

    Asked by dynamitefire to Carol, Ellie, John, Philip, Rebecca on 25 Jun 2012.
    • Photo: Rebecca Lacey

      Rebecca Lacey answered on 25 Jun 2012:

      Scientists think that personality development (for example, having a short temper) is partly genetic and partly influenced by parenting. For example if your parents have a short temper you are also more likely to have a short temper, but it is unclear the extent to which this is genetic or caused by the parenting style that your parents have (which is likely to be influenced by their personality).

      It’s all a bit complicated and scientists don’t really know the answer to this yet!

    • Photo: Carol White

      Carol White answered on 27 Jun 2012:

      It’s a really interesting debate! Is it nature or nurture…. or both?

      Lots of scientists are investigating genetic causes and also use brain imaging to try to find the underlying causes. They’ve also found that people with conditions like heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, and chronic pain often have shorter tempers. But do you think that’s because they have these conditions? More work needs to be done really!

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