Is Adaptability Related to Genes? Presenting a New Perspective on 'May Sickness' <Newsletter>

・Feeling down just going to work after the Golden Week holidays ・Feeling utterly exhausted just by talking to people ・Feeling "not quite like myself" There's a possibility that genetic traits are related to the background of these "May sickness" symptoms. KEAN Health Inc. has organized research data on the heritability of personality traits and the relationship between mental health and environmental adaptation. ## Personality Up to 60% "Born With It"? Adaptability Also Varies Individually According to studies using the standard psychological model "Big5," genetic factors are involved in 40-60% of personality traits. In particular, "openness," which relates to the tendency to embrace new things and respond flexibly, has a high heritability of about 60%, suggesting that innate personality influences the speed of adaptation and sensitivity to stress. Related column: https://keanhealth.jp/shop/information/c010 ## "Forcing Myself to Be Cheerful When I'm Actually Introverted" Is the Gap the Cause of Fatigue? Personality actually has two aspects: - Genetic factors: Innate personality, such as response speed to psychological stimuli and sensitivity to anxiety. - Environmental factors: Personality formed by environment, education, and experiences, representing one's current self. The greater the gap between genetic traits and current behavior, such as trying to present oneself well in a new environment, the greater the fatigue. This can be one of the mechanisms behind May sickness. - Extroversion: Naturally introverted but continuing to act cheerful leads to exhaustion. - Conscientiousness: Naturally takes things at their own pace but becomes exhausted by a sense of obligation due to excessive adherence to rules. - Neuroticism: Naturally prone to anxiety but exhausts themselves by pretending to be tough. ## The Moment You Realize "It's Okay Not to Push Yourself," People Feel at Ease By objectively grasping the gap between your true self and your current self, you can find hints for living without overexertion. Case: New Employee (23 years old, Sales) - Innate tendency: Introverted, prefers time alone - Current behavior: Acts cheerful, attends every drinking party Result: Felt strong fatigue after the Golden Week holidays and was drained just by talking to people. Afterward, By understanding that "I am not extroverted," - Does not force participation in drinking parties. - Consciously secures time alone. → Gradually reduced physical and mental burden. ## Future Outlook: Towards a Society Where One Can Find Ways to Adapt to a New Environment in Their Own Way Knowing one's innate tendencies