New Study Finds Birth Season Related to Specific Adult Character Traits

A Hungarian research study revealed that people who are born in the winter tend to be less irritable when they grow up while those born in summer months are more likely to be moody and prone to develop temperament problems. Scientists now believe that the birth season has an influence on an individual’s mood. "Biochemical studies have shown that the season in which you are born has an influence on certain monoamine neurotransmitters, such as dopamine and serotonin, which is detectable even in adult life. This led us to believe that birth season may have a longer-lasting effect," stated lead researcher Xenia Gonda. 400 adults participated in the study and each participant was matched to a personality type based on the month of year they were born. The study found that participants could be identified from four different temperament categories:

• Cyclothymic Temperament - rapid, frequent mood swings from sad to happy
• Hyperthymic Temperament- tendency to be excessively positive outlook
• Irritable Temperament- easily annoyed or bothered
• Depressive Temperament – likely to suffer from depression

The study found those who were born in the summer months tended to fall into the cyclothymic temperament grouping. On the other hand, those born in summer and spring were found to be matched to the hyperthymic temperament. Participants who were born in both winter and autumn months were less likely to fall into the irritable and depressive temperament. This study comes as no surprise because Seasonal Affective Disorder or SAD has existed for quite some time. SAD is a mood disorder that usually causes depression when the seasons change. According to Olga Khazan, staff writer for The Atlantic, about five percent of the population is thought to have winter variety of SAD, while about one percent of the population suffers from summer SAD. Tips to Combat SAD

• Live in the present, let go of the past
• Acknowledge feelings
• Don’t over indulge in food or alcohol to suppress feelings
• Create a support system
• Seek help from professionals

Sources: http://www.cnet.com/news/the-season-youre-born-affects-your-moodiness-in-life-study-says/ http://www.telegraph.co.uk/science/science-news/11171567/Season-of-birth-affects-your-mood-later-in-life.html http://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2014/10/how-birth-season-affects-mood/381727/ http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=21977