Study Links Personality Traits to Longevity
December 18, 2025905 VistasTiempo de lectura: 2 minutos
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Comprehensive research published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology has revealed a direct correlation between personality traits and health outcomes, including longevity. The study analyzed data from 569,859 participants across four continents, recording 43,851 deaths, and focused on five primary personality traits: neuroticism, openness to experience, conscientiousness, extraversion, and agreeableness.
Negative Effects of Neuroticism
The findings indicate that individuals exhibiting high neuroticism—characterized by chronic anxiety, stress, and emotional instability—are at a greater risk of premature death. This risk is particularly pronounced among younger individuals, highlighting the significant impact of this trait.
Health Benefits of Conscientiousness and Openness
High conscientiousness—characterized by discipline, commitment, and organization—was associated with a reduced likelihood of death, underscoring the importance of maintaining healthy habits and routines.
Openness to experience, which encompasses intellectual curiosity, social interaction, and engagement in diverse activities, also correlates with a lower risk of death, especially in the United States and Australia. This suggests that cultural context may play a role in enhancing these benefits.
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 in most studies. This suggests that their influence on longevity may operate through lifestyle choices and daily decisions.
Personality as a Key Health Factor
Mary McGeehan, the lead researcher from the University of Limerick in Ireland, stated: "Our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors not only affect our life satisfaction and social relationships but also our lifespan. Personality is not merely a psychological trait; it is a crucial health factor, comparable to socioeconomic status."
This study emphasizes that cultivating positive personality traits, such as openness to experience and self-discipline, can have a tangible effect on health and longevity.
Negative Effects of Neuroticism
The findings indicate that individuals exhibiting high neuroticism—characterized by chronic anxiety, stress, and emotional instability—are at a greater risk of premature death. This risk is particularly pronounced among younger individuals, highlighting the significant impact of this trait.
Health Benefits of Conscientiousness and Openness
High conscientiousness—characterized by discipline, commitment, and organization—was associated with a reduced likelihood of death, underscoring the importance of maintaining healthy habits and routines.
Openness to experience, which encompasses intellectual curiosity, social interaction, and engagement in diverse activities, also correlates with a lower risk of death, especially in the United States and Australia. This suggests that cultural context may play a role in enhancing these benefits.
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 in most studies. This suggests that their influence on longevity may operate through lifestyle choices and daily decisions.
Personality as a Key Health Factor
Mary McGeehan, the lead researcher from the University of Limerick in Ireland, stated: "Our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors not only affect our life satisfaction and social relationships but also our lifespan. Personality is not merely a psychological trait; it is a crucial health factor, comparable to socioeconomic status."
This study emphasizes that cultivating positive personality traits, such as openness to experience and self-discipline, can have a tangible effect on health and longevity.
