Study Reveals Impact of Personality Traits on Lifespan
December 18, 2025906 AufrufeLesezeit: 2 Minuten
Schriftgröße
16
A comprehensive study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology has revealed that personality traits significantly influence health and lifespan. The research analyzed data from 569,859 individuals across four continents, recording 43,851 deaths, and focused on five key personality traits: neuroticism, openness to experience, conscientiousness, extraversion, and agreeableness.
Negative Effects of Neuroticism
The findings indicate that individuals exhibiting high levels of neuroticism—marked by chronic anxiety, stress, and emotional instability—are at a greater risk of premature death, especially among younger individuals, where the effects are more pronounced.
Protective Factors: Conscientiousness and Openness to Experience
High Conscientiousness: Individuals who are disciplined, committed, and organized demonstrate a lower risk of mortality, underscoring the importance of maintaining healthy habits and regular routines.
Openness to Experience: This trait, characterized by intellectual curiosity, social engagement, and participation in diverse activities, also correlates with a reduced risk of death, particularly in the United States and Australia, highlighting the influence of cultural context in promoting this benefit.
Indirect Health Impacts
The study noted that the relationship between openness to experience and conscientiousness, on one hand, and direct health indicators, on the other, is often weak or unclear. This suggests that their influence on lifespan may operate through lifestyle choices and daily decisions.
Personality as a Vital Health Factor
Marie McGeehan, the lead researcher from the University of Limerick in Ireland, stated: "Our mindset, emotions, and behaviors not only affect our life satisfaction and social relationships but also the duration of our lives. Personality is not merely a psychological trait; it is a crucial health factor, comparable to the impact of social and economic status."
This study emphasizes that fostering positive personality traits such as openness to experience and self-discipline can significantly enhance health and longevity.
Negative Effects of Neuroticism
The findings indicate that individuals exhibiting high levels of neuroticism—marked by chronic anxiety, stress, and emotional instability—are at a greater risk of premature death, especially among younger individuals, where the effects are more pronounced.
Protective Factors: Conscientiousness and Openness to Experience
High Conscientiousness: Individuals who are disciplined, committed, and organized demonstrate a lower risk of mortality, underscoring the importance of maintaining healthy habits and regular routines.
Openness to Experience: This trait, characterized by intellectual curiosity, social engagement, and participation in diverse activities, also correlates with a reduced risk of death, particularly in the United States and Australia, highlighting the influence of cultural context in promoting this benefit.
Indirect Health Impacts
The study noted that the relationship between openness to experience and conscientiousness, on one hand, and direct health indicators, on the other, is often weak or unclear. This suggests that their influence on lifespan may operate through lifestyle choices and daily decisions.
Personality as a Vital Health Factor
Marie McGeehan, the lead researcher from the University of Limerick in Ireland, stated: "Our mindset, emotions, and behaviors not only affect our life satisfaction and social relationships but also the duration of our lives. Personality is not merely a psychological trait; it is a crucial health factor, comparable to the impact of social and economic status."
This study emphasizes that fostering positive personality traits such as openness to experience and self-discipline can significantly enhance health and longevity.
