Personality Traits and DRD4, DAT1, 5-HT2A Gene Polymorphisms in Risky and Non Risky Sports Participation

Objective: Relationships amongst Big Five personality traits and DRD4, DAT1 and 5-HT2A gene polymorphisms were investigated in 193 college students participating in risky and non-risky sports. Material and Methods: Personality traits were assessed by Five Factor Personality Inventory (FFPI) and gene polymorphisms were analyzed by polymerase chain reaction. Results: In order to examine whether signifant Big Five personality trait differences existed between DAT1 gene polimorphisms, independent sample t-test was used. Results showed that only Agreeableness dimension revealed significant difference indicating that individuals with non-10/10 genotype had higher agreeableness scores when compared to individuals with 10/10 genotype. ANOVA results showed that Big Five personality dimensions scores differed significantly amongst 5-HT2A genotypes. Individuals with CC genotype had lower emotional stability scores when compared to individuals with TC genotype, and CC genotype individuals had greater openness to experience scores when compared to TT genotype individuals. Openness to experience scores were also significantly different among DRD4 genotypes. Individuals with 11 genotype had greater openness to experience scores when compared to individuals with as genotype. No 5-HT2A and risky sport participation (RSP) interaction effect was found on emotional change score. Conclusion: DAT1 was not associated with RSP. It was concluded that DRD4 and 5-HT2A were not directly associated with RSP but may be used as indirect predictors of it.