Five-factor model

Also known as “the big five” and the “Big Five personality traits,” these traits are clusters of consistent responses backed out from statistical analysis of psychological survey data.

The traits:

• Openness to experience
• Conscientiousness
• Extroversion
• Agreeableness
• Neuroticism

Heritability

• {Jang} et al ({1996}) ran a large twin study and found substantial heritability:

Broad genetic influence on the five dimensions of Neuroticism, Extraversion, Openness, Agreeableness, and Conscientiousness was estimated at 41%, 53%, 61%, 41%, and 44%, respectively.

References

Jang, K. L., Livesley, W. J., & Vemon, P. A. (1996). Heritability of the Big Five Personality Dimensions and Their Facets: A Twin Study. Journal of Personality, 64(3), 577–592. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-6494.1996.tb00522.x

Tupes, E. C., & Christal, R. E. (1961). Recurrent Personality Factors Based on Trait Ratings (ASD-TR-61-97).