Behavioral and Brain Sciences



Open Peer Commentary
Rose: Lifelines

Stability of behavioral traits within the framework of neural plasticity


Richard A. Depue a1
a1 Laboratory of Neurobiology of Temperament and Personality, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853 rad5@cornell.edu

Abstract

Lifelines supports the theme that behavioral development is a fluid, life-long phenomenon. In contrast, many emotional and cognitive traits are subject to strong genetic influence, and are highly stable over many years. The manner in which neuroplasticity and trait stability cooccur needs to be modeled. An outline of such a model is provided to promote discussion of this complex issue.