Correlation between attachment and personality dimensions and their association to the catechol-O-methyltransferase Val158Met polimorphism

Introduction Both attachment style and personality traits are closely related to individualu0027s interpersonal patterns. Association between these constructs has been widely studied, but variability in results makes it difficult to reach definite conclusions. Similarly, dopaminergic pathways are considered to underlie some personality traits and to be related to attachment styles, but evidence, hitherto, remain inconclusive. Aims To assess the correlation between personality and attachment dimensions and to study whether a common association to the catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) Val158Met polymorphism exists. Methods One hundred and three Caucasian controls (mean age 39.6 ± 6.4; 65% women) were recruited in the province of Biscay, Spain. DAPP-BQ and ECR-Spanish scales were administered to assess personality and attachment dimensions respectively. DNA was obtained from saliva and the COMT Val158Met polymorphism was determined. Pearsonu0027s correlation coefficient and ANOVA were calculated using R statistical software. Results High positive correlation is observed between inhibition personality dimension and attachment avoidance ( r  = 0.75). Besides, both inhibition and avoidance dimensions’ scores are significantly higher in the COMT ValMet genotype than in the other genotypes. MetMet: 63.1 ± 13.6; ValMet: 71.0 ± 13.9; ValVal: 63.0 ± 16.7 (ANOVA F = 3.75, P  = 0.027) for inhibition and MetMet: 3.44 ± 0.17; ValMet: 3.82 ± 0.2; ValVal: 3.33 ± 0.23 (ANOVA F = 3.83, P  = 0.025) for avoidance. Conclusions Attachment patterns are rooted in early interactions with parental figures, and according to our results they could be linked to self-perceived personality traits in adulthood. Our study also suggests that genetics may predispose individuals to certain interaction styles. Our findings, linking ValMet individuals to avoidant attachment, are similar to Luijku0027s (2011) results, and would support a genetic-environmental model of both attachment and personality.