Your personality not only shapes your thoughts and actions, but it can also affect your health and longevity.
Certain traits protect against disease, while others increase the risk of both physical and mental disorders.
Personality can change throughout life
Personality is not fixed. Although genetics play a role, traits can develop over time.
This means that even less beneficial tendencies can be addressed and changed, which may have a positive impact on both mental and physical health.
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Biology and behavior interact
The link between personality and health is influenced by both biological and behavioral factors.
Some traits are associated with lower levels of inflammation and healthier cholesterol levels, while others affect lifestyle, stress levels, and disease risk through everyday choices and habits.
Optimism
A large study published in PNAS involving more than 70,000 participants found that highly optimistic individuals are more likely to live healthier lives and have a greater chance of reaching the age of 85 or older.
Optimists have lower levels of inflammation, healthier cholesterol levels, and better habits such as regular exercise, a balanced diet, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.
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They also cope better with illness and stress, reducing the risk of high blood pressure, elevated blood sugar, and mental health disorders.
Conscientiousness
Conscientious individuals are organized, responsible, and diligent. A study published in Health Psychology shows that they generally have better health and live longer.
They make healthier choices, attend medical check-ups, and follow treatments carefully.
Their structured approach reduces stress and lowers the risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, anxiety, depression, and cognitive disorders such as dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
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Extraversion
Research described by the University of Rochester Medical Center shows that socially engaged individuals have lower levels of the inflammatory marker interleukin-6, which is associated with stress.
An active lifestyle and higher levels of happiness, often seen in extroverts, have a positive effect on both mental and physical health and may reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
Openness
Individuals with high levels of openness often experience greater well-being and happiness, which is linked to lower stress levels.
A study published in Social Psychological and Personality Science found that high openness is associated with a lower overall risk of illness and death.
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Women with high openness have also shown a more moderate stress response, which protects the heart and circulatory system, according to a study published in PLOS One.
Agreeableness
People with a high degree of agreeableness build strong relationships and experience less stress.
They are less likely to smoke, drink excessively, or take dangerous risks, and more likely to exercise and eat healthily.
Research published in Frontiers in Psychology has linked agreeableness to higher consumption of healthy foods such as green vegetables, fish, and fruit.
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Hostility
Hostility is characterized by anger, resistance, and aggressive behavior. It is associated with social conflict and elevated stress.
Chronically high cortisol levels can increase inflammation and weaken the immune system.
Hostile individuals are more likely to smoke and lead a sedentary lifestyle, according to a study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association, increasing the risk of high blood pressure, stroke, heart disease, and premature death.
Neuroticism
Neuroticism describes a tendency toward anxiety, worry, and emotional instability. High levels increase the risk of anxiety and depression.
Persistent stress can weaken the immune system and damage the heart and circulatory system.
Individuals with high neuroticism are also more prone to unhealthy habits such as smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and poor diet, according to a study published in the Journal of Psychiatry Research.
Emotional suppression
Frequently suppressing your emotions can lead to increased stress and anxiety, as well as a higher risk of depression.
Long-term suppression can raise cortisol levels and contribute to a weakened immune system, high blood pressure, and heart problems.
It may also manifest as headaches, muscle tension, and digestive issues.
Social inhibition
Social inhibition involves restraint and fear of negative judgment in social situations. It can lead to loneliness, low self-esteem, and an increased risk of anxiety and depression.
Ongoing stress can negatively affect the immune system and has been linked to a higher risk of heart disease, according to a study published in the Encyclopedia of Behavioral Medicine.
Self-centeredness
Self-centeredness can create conflict, isolation, and loneliness, increasing stress, anxiety, and depression.
Long-term stress related to social problems can raise cortisol levels and damage both the immune system and cardiovascular health, according to a study published in PeerJ.
Sources: Health Digest, PNAS, Health Psychology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Social Psychological and Personality Science, PLOS One, Frontiers in Psychology, Journal of the American Heart Association, Journal of Psychiatry Research, Encyclopedia of Behavioral Medicine, and PeerJ.