Neuroticism Genetic Risk, Gender, and Economic Disadvantage

Abstract

Polygenic indices (PGIs) offer a tool for estimating genetic predispositions to personality traits such as neuroticism. Using genetic, survey, and registry-linked data from six Finnish cohorts (1992–2017; N = 20,121; ages 25–64), we examined how the Neuroticism Polygenic Index (NPGI) relates to a sequence of economic outcomes: education, employment, occupation, income, and economic satisfaction. Higher NPGI was associated with lower educational attainment, employment, self-employment, and income; a greater likelihood of physical work; and reduced economic satisfaction—even among those with high equivalent income. Stratified models revealed gender-specific patterns: females with elevated NPGI were significantly less likely to enter knowledge work—the highest-paid occupational category—via both education-related and additional pathways. These findings suggest that genetic liability for neuroticism contributes to both objective and subjective economic disadvantage through multiple channels, with more pronounced associations in females. Our results underscore the value of incorporating genetic perspectives into research on personality-linked socioeconomic inequality.