What makes something interesting?

June 3, 2010 11:27 AM

Have there been any legitimate studies on how big five personality traits affect interests and hobbies?

Is this even a legitimate way to ask this question? Basically I’m interested in what the influencing factors are that make an adult go, “Wow! That’s so cool. I want to try it!” Alternately what are the search terms I’m looking for to describe this question?

posted by edbles to Society & Culture (3 answers total)

Best answer: I apologize in advance – this can run the realms of psychology and pseudo-science and really weak studies (if any). So I’m going to go another route – these studies at least have a basis for the personality type traits (receptors, neurotransmitters) and include both animal models and correlations with people who have a particular version of a gene. I know these aren’t the traits you are looking for, nor do the so-called interests come close, but the science is a bit stronger, so…

Here are some terms you may want to check out in pub med.

Dopamine 4 receptor (polymorphism), novelty seeking. Correlations have been found with people who have 2 versions of one D4 receptor and are known as novelty seekers (or more pathologic version, problems with abusing drugs). People who have the other 2 version of the receptor are the opposite (think of someone who is happy staring at the white walls, wants to eat the same meal every day, not do anything except for read the same book, whatever).

You may also want to check out 5-HT2A (subtype of serotonin receptor). Correlations have been found with some types of these receptors and anxiety/depression.

If you want to take the next jump (although really, a study would be needed), I think a viable hypothesis is that people with a particular D4 polymorphism enjoy bungy jumping or taking drugs. People with another version may enjoy staring at a white wall, every single day. Similarly, someone who has is gregarious, talks to everyone and has no anxiety whatsoever may have one type of 5-HT2A receptor, whereas people who don’t like to talk to a lot of other people, anxiety, etc. …you get the point. There are some really interesting studies that show an interaction of these genes with the environment and how some of these people do in their 30s…but I don’t think that is what you are asking for.
posted by Wolfster at 12:46 PM on June 3, 2010 [1 favorite]

Best answer: Hello, this might not be what you are looking for, but there is an Occupational Therapy model called the Model of Human Occupation (MOHO) which suggests why we engage in activities. You might be interested in the volitional subsystem. Here's a link to something Ive just googled, it looks alright. Its a powerpoint presentation, 17th one down:

MOHO powerpoint

'Volitional Subsystem – source of motivation that guides individuals to anticipate, choose, experience and interpret what they do; thoughts and feelings about doing occupations that reflect a sense of mastery, enjoyment and value judgments.'
posted by Sarosmith at 12:55 PM on June 3, 2010

Best answer: Links to abstracts, not articles:

Individual differences in creativity: personality, story writing, and hobbies

Holland's Typology and the Five-Factor Model: A Rational-Empirical Analysis. (Holland's typology)

The relationship among leisure interests, personality traits, affect, and mood
posted by prenominal at 2:05 PM on June 3, 2010 [2 favorites]