Eye Colour and Personality

A 1998 study by Coplan and his colleagues have unearthed a link between inhibitions/social wariness and eye color in young children, more specifically, pre-schoolers. It found that blue -eyed male children were more socially wary than brown-eyed ones. No such significant variation was observed among female children. The study shows that in young children, iris pigmentation could probably serve as a marker variable for social wariness.

Eyeing The Issue Scientifically

Most recent research suggests that a gene Pax6 probably has a part to play in the connection between iris pigmentation and personality. This gene is involved in the development of the eyes as well as a part of the brain, more precisely the anterior cingulate cortex, or ACC, in the frontal lobe. ACC, also termed the brain’s ‘oops centre’ by some, is believed to influence personality traits like empathy and self-control.

Pax6 is known to induce tissue deficiencies in the iris and the ACC. Could this then explain the relationship between eye color and personality? A study by Larsson M and his colleagues in 2007 (May, 2007) suggest that this maybe just so. Changes induced by Pax6 leads to different iris configurations, which, in turn may influence certain ‘approach related’ behaviour. The researchers studied three iris characteristics in 428 undergraduate students viz. crypts, pigment dots and contraction furrows. The findings revealed that crypts and furrows do indeed, have a close association with many approach- related behaviour. Whereas the former is associated with positive feelings, the latter is associated with behaviour like impulsiveness.

Currently, research in this field is limited. The possible relationship between eye color and personality has opened up many avenues that can be explored. Undisputed scientific evidence could pave the way for interesting revelations. What an eye-opener that would be for all of us, indeed!

Source-Medindia
ASH/P