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Importance of Personality for Objective and Subjective-Physical Health in Older Men and Women

Author

Listed:
  • Teresa Montoliu

    (Laboratory of Social Cognitive Neuroscience, Department of Psychobiology and IDOCAL, Faculty of Psychology, University of Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain)

  • Vanesa Hidalgo

    (IIS Aragón, Department of Psychology and Sociology, Area of Psychobiology, University of Zaragoza, 44003 Teruel, Spain)

  • Alicia Salvador

    (Laboratory of Social Cognitive Neuroscience, Department of Psychobiology and IDOCAL, Faculty of Psychology, University of Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain)

Abstract

Objective and subjective health generally have a positive relationship, although their association may be moderated by factors such as gender and personality. We aimed to analyze the association between personality and objective (metabolic syndrome (MetS)) and subjective-physical health in older men and women. For this purpose, in 138 participants (53.6% women, Mage = 66.85), neuroticism, conscientiousness, extraversion, openness, and agreeableness (NEO Five Factor Inventory), subjective-physical health (Short Form Health Survey, SF-36), and MetS (employing waist circumference, blood pressure, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and glycated hemoglobin) were assessed. Logistic regression analysis was performed to analyze whether personality was associated with MetS. Moreover, hierarchical regression analyses were conducted to analyze the relationship between personality or MetS, and subjective-physical health. Finally, gender and personality moderation analyses were performed with PROCESS. Results showed that higher neuroticism was associated with an increased likelihood of MetS, whereas higher neuroticism and lower extraversion were associated with lower subjective-physical health. Moreover, the negative relationship between MetS and subjective-physical health was stronger in individuals with low conscientiousness. Regarding gender differences, only in women, higher extraversion was related to a decreased likelihood of MetS, and MetS was related to lower subjective-physical health. In conclusion, higher neuroticism is the main vulnerability health factor, whereas to a lesser extent extraversion and conscientiousness are protective factors. Furthermore, the association between objective and subjective health is not direct, but it may vary depending on personality and gender.

Suggested Citation

  • Teresa Montoliu & Vanesa Hidalgo & Alicia Salvador, 2020. "Importance of Personality for Objective and Subjective-Physical Health in Older Men and Women," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(23), pages 1-13, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:17:y:2020:i:23:p:8809-:d:452045
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Benjamin P. Chapman & Paul R. Duberstein & Silvia Sörensen & Jeffrey M. Lyness, 2006. "Personality and Perceived Health in Older Adults: The Five Factor Model in Primary Care," The Journals of Gerontology: Series B, The Gerontological Society of America, vol. 61(6), pages 362-365.
    2. Alban Jaconelli & Yannick Stephan & Brice Canada & Benjamin P. Chapman, 2012. "Personality and Physical Functioning Among Older Adults: The Moderating Role of Education," The Journals of Gerontology: Series B, The Gerontological Society of America, vol. 68(4), pages 553-557.
    3. Benjamin Chapman & Paul Duberstein & Jeffrey M. Lyness, 2007. "Personality Traits, Education, and Health-Related Quality of Life Among Older Adult Primary Care Patients," The Journals of Gerontology: Series B, The Gerontological Society of America, vol. 62(6), pages 343-352.
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