Study Reveals Irises Reflect Personality

A team of researchers at Orebro University in Sweden have revealed that patterns in the iris of the eyes may correlate to personality traits.

The scientists looked at specific lines and pits in the eyes of 428 people and compared the physical traits with personality characteristics.

Everyone's eyes are unique in lines, dots and color. However, through the study the scientists have determined that certain common patterns in the iris indicate whether a person is warm and trusting or neurotic and impulsive.

Through close-up pictures, the researchers focused on patterns in crypts (threads or pits that radiate from the pupil) and contraction furrows (lines curving around the edge of the iris) which form when pupils dilate.

Participants in the study also filled out questionnaires that asked about personalities.

The study revealed that people with more crypts tend to be more warmhearted and trusting while those were more contraction furrows were more likely to be neurotic and impulsive.

The research is based on genetic variations that determine aspects of personality. In embryos, iris formation is controlled by a neurodevelopmental gene called PAX6. Previous research discovered that a mutation of the PAX6 gene is linked to certain behavior traits like impulsiveness. PAX6 also plays a role in the development of the frontal lobe of the brain, which influences personality.

The research team intends to publish the results of the study in the American journal Biological Psychology and believe that the findings could be used in psychoanalysis.

Matt Larson, the scientist who led the study, told the AP "these findings support the notion that people with different iris configurations tend to develop along different trajectories in regards to personality."

Eye analysis is currently used to scan for high blood pressure, diabetes and is being researched as a tool to detect Alzheimer's.

More specifically, the iris can be used as a biomarker to distinguish between people and there is growing interest in mapping the iris for use in security.

Airports in the UK, including Heathrow, Manchester and Gatwick, are implementing trials of 'biometric' passports, including iris scanning, to identify travelers. The technology uses photographs of iris patterns to match people to their passport.

The iris scanning based security scans are used for identification purposes only and not to check personality traits. But the scientists who conducted the latest iris study say that their research could be used by companies to screen job candidates.

Interest in the study is widespread as it gives some genetic basis to the saying 'the eyes are the window of the soul." Still, many scientists advise that security services need to use the emerging technologies with caution when analyzing people.

Sources:

"How irises reveal personalities" BBC News, February 19, 2007 http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/6375381.stm

"Scientists discover that eyes really are 'the window to the soul'" Mail On Sunday, February 19, 2007, http://www.mailonsunday.co.uk/pages/live/articles/technology/technology.html?in_article_id=436932&in_page_id=1965

"Eye scans mean airport delays" BBC News, January 10, 2007 http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/politics/6249205.stm

"Eye test could spot Alzheimer's" BBC News, July 22, 2006 http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/5198602.stm