Study Finds Personality Traits Influence Longevity
December 18, 2025907 VuesTemps de lecture: 2 minutes
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A comprehensive scientific study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology has established a direct correlation between personality traits and health outcomes, including longevity. The research analyzed data from 569,859 individuals across four continents, documenting 43,851 deaths, and focused on five key personality traits: neuroticism, openness to experience, conscientiousness, extraversion, and agreeableness.
Negative Impact of Neuroticism
The findings revealed that individuals exhibiting high levels of neuroticism—characterized by chronic anxiety, stress, and emotional instability—are at a heightened risk of premature death, especially among younger individuals where the effect is more pronounced.
Protective Effects of Conscientiousness and Openness
High conscientiousness: Individuals who are disciplined, committed, and organized demonstrate a reduced likelihood of dying prematurely, underscoring the importance of maintaining healthy habits and a consistent routine.
Openness to experience: This trait, which encompasses intellectual curiosity, social engagement, and participation in diverse activities, is also associated with a lower risk of death, particularly in the United States and Australia, suggesting that cultural context plays a role in these benefits.
Indirect Health Impacts
The study noted that the relationship between openness to experience and conscientiousness, and direct health indicators, is often weak or unclear in many studies. This implies that their influence on longevity may be mediated through lifestyle choices and daily decisions.
Personality as a Major 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 significant health factor, comparable to the impact of socioeconomic status."
This study emphasizes that fostering positive personality traits such as openness to experience and personal discipline can have a tangible effect on improving health and extending lifespan.
Negative Impact of Neuroticism
The findings revealed that individuals exhibiting high levels of neuroticism—characterized by chronic anxiety, stress, and emotional instability—are at a heightened risk of premature death, especially among younger individuals where the effect is more pronounced.
Protective Effects of Conscientiousness and Openness
High conscientiousness: Individuals who are disciplined, committed, and organized demonstrate a reduced likelihood of dying prematurely, underscoring the importance of maintaining healthy habits and a consistent routine.
Openness to experience: This trait, which encompasses intellectual curiosity, social engagement, and participation in diverse activities, is also associated with a lower risk of death, particularly in the United States and Australia, suggesting that cultural context plays a role in these benefits.
Indirect Health Impacts
The study noted that the relationship between openness to experience and conscientiousness, and direct health indicators, is often weak or unclear in many studies. This implies that their influence on longevity may be mediated through lifestyle choices and daily decisions.
Personality as a Major 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 significant health factor, comparable to the impact of socioeconomic status."
This study emphasizes that fostering positive personality traits such as openness to experience and personal discipline can have a tangible effect on improving health and extending lifespan.
