Do you walk into a room full of strangers with your head held high, or are you more modest in your approach? And when you're playing a football game or tennis match, do you expect to be on the winning side or are you nervous about your ability to perform well? Your self-confidence influences a lot about how you care for and present yourself, as well as how others perceive you.

If you're curious about whether your DNA might be influencing your self-confidence, the results from an AncestryDNA^® + Traits test may reveal the answer.

What Is Self-Confident Behaviour?

Self-confident behaviour shows you trust yourself and your abilities. It allows you to reflect upon your strengths and weaknesses while maintaining a positive self-image. Self-confident people often:

• Set realistic goals and expectations based on their ability
• Handle constructive criticism
• Set and enforce personal boundaries
• Trust personal judgment
• Take accountability for their actions and mistakes

While self-confidence overlaps with self-esteem, there are differences. Self-confidence emphasises having trust in your abilities, while self-esteem relates to how you appreciate or value yourself.

The Genetics Behind Self-Confidence

The Ancestry^® science team delved into the genetics of self-confidence by analyzing the DNA of over 227,000 people who responded to the question, "How would you rate your self-confidence?" The scientists found over 470 DNA markers that were associated with people's reported self-confidence.

Based on these DNA markers, the scientists calculated a polygenic risk score, a tool that can predict the likelihood of being self-confident based just on your DNA. At the same time, the scientists determined that only a small amount of the variation—among the people who reported on their level of self-confidence—could be explained by differences in their DNA. The calculated heritability for self-confidence was around 6%. Based on this, people's self-confidence is mostly informed by their environment and experiences, but genetics does play a small role.

What Else Does Science Say About Self-Confidence?

Many of the non-genetic factors that influence your confidence are directly related to your environment. For example, the way you were raised is likely to influence how confident you are as an adult. Studies of attachment theory have found that adults who had secure attachments to their primary caregivers in infancy and childhood tend to have higher levels of self-confidence.

In recent years, scientists have also taken an interest in how social media damages adolescents' self-confidence. As teens compare themselves to the carefully curated images their peers post, they may start to feel inadequate. Girls, in particular, appear to be particularly affected. As the use of social media has increased, self-confidence has decreased, although measures can be taken to reverse this phenomena.

How Different Cultures Perceive Self-Confidence

Self-confidence is influenced by culture to some extent, as the expectations and values around self-expression and self-assuredness can vary. Cultures that emphasise individualism tend to encourage outward or active displays of self-confidence. Independence and personal achievement become more important than considering how your actions reflect upon your family or society. On the other hand, cultures that view life with a collectivist lens tend to prioritise conformity. It doesn't mean that people in those cultures are less likely to be self-confident, but instead they gain strength and self-assuredness from a sense of connectedness with others, rather than as an individual.

Self-confidence is a skill that can be developed and honed at any point in your life. If you're struggling to trust your abilities, try implementing these tips into your routine:

• Be compassionate to yourself the same way you would be to someone else.
• Set small goals you know you can achieve.
• Recognise you're a work in progress. There's always room to grow and learn.
• Surround yourself with friends, family members, and colleagues who support your goals.

Curious about how your genes might have an influence on your self-confidence? An AncestryDNA^® + Traits test can help you find out your links between your genetics and a wide range of other personality, performance, and appearance traits. If you've already taken a test, your results are available to review now with an Ancestry^® membership.

 

References

"7 Proven Tips for Building Lasting Self-Esteem and Boosting Your Confidence." The Yale Ledger. August 29, 2023. https://campuspress.yale.edu/ledger/7-proven-tips-for-building-lasting-self-esteem-and-boosting-your-confidence/.

Farooqi, Sara A. "A Point of View: Beyond The Pursuit of Self-Confidence – Cultural Wisdoms as an Antidote." March 10, 2022. The Inclusion Solution. https://theinclusionsolution.me/a-point-of-view-beyond-the-pursuit-of-self-confidence-cultural-wisdoms-as-an-antidote/.

Oswal, Muskaan. "What Are The Factors That Affect Self Confidence?" Kapable. December 27, 2023. https://kapable.club/blog/self-confidence/what-are-the-factors-that-affect-self-confidence/.

Peetz, Caitlynn. "The State of Girls' Mental Health and Self-Confidence, in Charts." EducationWeek. November 9, 2023. https://www.edweek.org/leadership/the-state-of-girls-mental-health-and-self-confidence-in-charts/2023/11.

"Self-Esteem and Self-Confidence." The University of Queensland. Accessed June 21, 2024. https://my.uq.edu.au/information-and-services/student-support/health-and-wellbeing/self-help-resources/self-esteem-and-self-confidence.

Shen, Fei, Yanhong Liu, and Mansi Brat. "Attachment, Self-Esteem, and Psychological Distress: A Multiple-Mediator Model." The Professional Counselor. April 2021. https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1300191.pdf.

Simpson, Jeffry A. and Beckes, Lane. "Attachment Theory." Encyclopedia Britannica. December 22. 2023. https://www.britannica.com/science/attachment-theory.

"What Is Self-Confidence?" University of South Florida. Accessed June 21, 2024. https://www.usf.edu/student-affairs/counseling-center/top-concerns/what-is-self-confidence.aspx.