A new study has found that personality traits such as being organised, active, and helpful may not only make life smoother but could also increase lifespan. On the other hand, people who describe themselves as moody, anxious, or easily stressed may face a higher risk of dying earlier.
The findings, published in the Journal of Psychosomatic Research, suggest that personality may be just as important as medical factors, such as blood pressure and cholesterol, in predicting health outcomes.
Researchers focused on the specific words people used to describe themselves in personality questionnaires, rather than broad categories like “extroverted” or “conscientious.”
René Mõttus, a psychologist at the University of Edinburgh and co-author of the study, said the word “active” stood out the most. People who described themselves this way were 21% less likely to die during the study period, even after adjusting for age, gender, and medical conditions. Other words that strongly predicted longer life included lively, responsible, hard-working, thorough, and helpful.
The research analysed data from more than 22,000 adults across four major studies, with follow-ups lasting between six and 28 years.
According to co-author Páraic O’Súilleabháin from the University of Limerick, the key lies in precision. He explained that it’s not just about being conscientious, but also about specific behaviours like being hardworking or thorough. Similarly, it’s not just extroversion, it’s being lively or active. These nuances, he said, have a measurable impact on the length of people’s lives.
The study also found that negative traits had the opposite effect. People who rated themselves high in tendencies linked to neuroticism, such as being moody, anxious, or upset, were more likely to die earlier.
Researchers emphasised that these findings are not destiny. Just because someone worries a lot does not mean they will die young, and being punctual does not guarantee a long life. Instead, personality traits may play a supporting role in health, shaping routines, habits, and resilience.
For example, being “organised” may help people stick to medical treatments or healthier lifestyles, while being “active” could encourage regular movement and social engagement.
Practical Implications
The findings could have real-world applications. If health services included personality screenings, they could identify patients who may need extra support. For instance, someone who does not see themselves as organised may struggle with medication schedules, while someone who does not feel active may need encouragement to exercise.
Dr Ross Stewart of the University of Chester praised the study for its focus on specific traits, calling it a new step in linking personality to health.
