Consanguineous and Non-Consanguineous Marriages and Personality Dispositions of the Children

Abstract

The present study aimed to examine the influence of parental consanguinity on personality traits among school-going adolescents. The study utilized a sample of 146 participants (19 males and 127 females) from different schools of Sindh. Out of 146 participants, 106 participants (14 males and 92 females) born to consanguineous parents. Participants were assessed on five personality dimensions (Extraversion, Agreeableness, Conscientiousness, Neuroticism, & Openness) and trait forgiveness scale. An independent samples t-test was used to compare students from consanguineous and non-consanguineous families. Findings indicated that students from consanguineous parents scored significantly higher in Extraversion, Agreeableness, Conscientiousness, and Openness  compared students born to non-consanguineous parents. Further, analysis indicated Trait forgiveness was significantly lower in students born to consanguineous parents than in students born to non-consanguineous parents  proposing that students born in cousin marriages (consanguineous) tend to have higher trait forgiveness scores compared to those born in non-cousin marriages (non-consanguineous). The analysis suggests several important points: Higher trait forgiveness among consanguineous students may be influenced by cultural or familial dynamics that promote forgiveness within close-knit families. Understanding these associations can provide valuable insights into the genetic and environmental factors influencing personality and interpersonal relationships.