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SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2009
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Got a Temper? Blame Your Genes

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(Newser) – Why some people get steamed while others stay cool depends on which version of a certain gene they carry, the Daily Telegraph reports. German scientists isolated a gene that affects dopamine levels. In a study, people with the least common variation showed little anger. Those with the other two mutations "are not able to control their feelings." Which could be a good thing: Aggression helps you get ahead in life, the researchers suggest.

Scientists say variations of the DARPP-32 gene control who rages and who stays calm.
Scientists say variations of the DARPP-32 gene control who rages and who stays calm.   (AP Photo/Dmitry Lovetsky)
Scientists say variations of the DARPP-32 gene control who rages and who stays calm. This man kicked a mannequin representing the head of the factory where he worked.
Scientists say variations of the DARPP-32 gene control who rages and who stays calm. This man kicked a mannequin representing the head of the factory where he worked.   (AP Photo/Michel Spingler)
Scientists say variations of the DARPP-32 gene control who rages and who stays calm. These protesters clash with police in an alley behind the parliament building in Reykjavik, Iceland.
Scientists say variations of the DARPP-32 gene control who rages and who stays calm. These protesters clash with police in an alley behind the parliament building in Reykjavik, Iceland.   (AP Photo/Thorvaldur Kristmundsson)
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High degrees of anger are of course of low social desirability, but a certain amount of dominance-related behavior helps to assert position in a social hierarchy. - University of Bonn researchers

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Nagual
May 4, 09 11:34 AM CDT
Funny, most people I know who possess very little self control tend to get left behind in life. Reply
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TerrifiedCitizen
May 4, 09 3:18 PM CDT
Depends... aggressive traits are many times tilted towards getting what one wants. Most vain, egotistical politicians are aggressive and use it to maneuver and intimidate others in their way. It's a way of life for them and they don't see the harm in it until they age and have given away the people that loved them. Reply
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shonangreg
May 4, 09 11:47 PM CDT
Aggression *tilted* toward getting what you want, TC? What else is aggression other than just that? It is *always* about getting what you want. .................................. In my opinion, the problem is too many people being timid in the face of loudmouths who habitually act aggressive in order to get what they want. Such boorish behavior is equivalent to 'crying wolf'. ....................... We have a fawning image of what it means to be a nice guy/gal, and this goody-goody two-shoes image undermines true strong, yet kind, real people. Societal pressure for both sides to automatically compromise in a dispute in the name of 'decency' is an example of this. Some behavior should not be rewarded, and *everyone* should practice such resolution in the face of hotheads. Such a wall of disapproval is the only thing that will get the hotheads to control themselves. Otherwise we live in a society of bullies, cowards, and injury-prone heroes. Reply
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