Ever wondered what makes someone "cool"? A new international study published in the Journal of Experimental Psychology suggests that no matter where you live, "cool" people often act in similar ways. Researchers from universities in Chile, the United States, and other countries found that people considered "cool" share six key personality traits. These traits were consistent across all 12 countries included in the study, which surveyed nearly 6,000 people from 2018 to 2022. Countries included Australia, Chile, China, Germany, India, Mexico, Nigeria, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Turkey, and the United States. Six Common Traits of "Cool" People These traits were found to be consistent regardless of a person's age, gender, or education level. The study, identified the following traits in people seen as cool: ExtrovertedPleasure-seekers (hedonistic)PowerfulAdventurousOpen to new experiencesIndependentCoolness vs. Goodness Interestingly, being a "good" person was linked to different traits, such as being calm, kind, warm, traditional, and secure. People who were seen as capable often had qualities that made them seem both cool and good.Also Read: First UK Adult To Receive Treatment For Type 1 Diabetes Drug Undergoing Trials Researchers explained that these "cool" traits are likely part of someone's core personality and aren't easily taught. Another lead researcher noted that while cool people are usually somewhat likable, their traits don't always mean they are morally "good," especially when considering being hedonistic and powerful. Deeper Meaning of "Cool" Reviewing the study's findings, researchers noted that "coolness" can have both positive and negative meanings in real life. They suggested that future research could explore the differences between "good coolness" and "bad coolness." Researchers also pointed out that their study only included people who already understood the term "cool." It's not clear if people in very traditional or isolated cultures would view the same traits as admirable. They emphasized that "cool" is a deeply embedded part of our social language. It acts as a quick way to understand someone's status, connections, and identity, especially in today's social media and influencer culture. Understanding "coolness" helps us see how quick judgments about traits influence behavior and social interactions. Many of these personality traits have also been found to be genetic, so the question arises, are we born with these traits? Is Human Personality Genetic? In a 2020 study published in the Genes, Brain, and Behavior journal, researchers explained that our personality traits are simply the lasting ways we tend to think, feel, and act in different situations. Studies of twins and families show that our personality traits are partly inherited from our parents.Also Read: Aspirin Isn’t Always Safe For Older Adults Anymore—Here's Why Doctors Are Warning Against It This means our genes play a role in shaping who we become. These traits can even give clues about future mental health conditions. What these genetic studies of personality have shown is that personality, like many brain-related diseases, is influenced by many genes working together (this is called being polygenic). Five-Personality Traits That Are Connected To Genes Researchers at Yale School of Medicine (YSM) published a study in 2024 Nature Human Behavior where they found several DNA spots linked to specific personality traits. Researchers used information from a large program called the Million Veteran Program. They looked at people's genes to find tiny differences, called "loci," that are connected to the "Big Five" personality traits Extraversion: How outgoing you are.Openness: How open you are to new experiences.Agreeableness: How well you get along with others.Neuroticism: How prone you are to negative feelings like worry or sadness.Conscientiousness: How organized and disciplined you are. The "Big Five" traits are a common way scientists measure personality. In this study, participants answered questions about their personality and also gave a blood sample for genetic testing. By comparing their answers to their DNA, the team found 62 new genetic spots linked to neuroticism. They also found genetic spots for agreeableness for the very first time. When they combined all their results, they identified over 200 genetic spots across all five personality traits. The team also looked at the genetic connections between personality traits and various mental health conditions. They found a strong overlap between neuroticism (a personality trait with a lot of negative feelings) and depression and anxiety. On the other hand, people who scored high in agreeableness (meaning they tend to get along well with others) were less likely to experience these conditions. These links were already known, but this study provides new genetic proof. With each research on such topics, we come one step forward to finding better answers and treatments for mental health conditions.