Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 16, 2026
10:07
Thermal Imaging to Study Stress Non-invasively in Unrestrained Birds
Published on: November 6, 2015
Response to thermal stress and personality
J LeBlanc1, M B Ducharme, L Pasto
1Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Laval University, G1K 7P4, Quebec, Canada. Jacques.LeBlanc@phs.ulaval.ca
Physiology & Behavior
|October 22, 2003
Summary
Personality traits significantly influence how individuals respond to cold and heat exposure. Neuroticism is linked to greater discomfort and reduced tolerance in heat, and lower oxygen consumption in cold.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Physiology
- Psychophysiology
- Human Adaptation
Background:
- Individual variability in tolerance to thermal stress (cold and heat) is not fully understood.
- The link between personality traits and responses to psychological stress is well-established.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the influence of personality traits on physiological and subjective responses to environmental temperature exposure.
- To determine if personality characteristics modulate tolerance to cold and heat.
Main Methods:
- Twenty young adults underwent 90-minute exposures to cold (10°C) and heat (40°C).
- Measurements included skin temperature (Ts), oxygen consumption, sweat rate, and discomfort ratings.
- Personality traits were assessed using the Big Five Personality Test.
Main Results:
- In cold conditions, neuroticism negatively correlated with oxygen consumption, discomfort, and Ts. Extraversion positively correlated with oxygen consumption.
- In heat conditions, neuroticism was associated with increased discomfort, reduced tolerance, and diminished sweat rate.
- Discomfort in heat was negatively related to extraversion.
Conclusions:
- Personality traits, particularly neuroticism and extraversion, impact physiological and subjective responses to thermal stress.
- Proposed mechanism for neuroticism's effect involves enhanced sympathetic nervous system activity.
- Suggests a connection between personality and responses to physical environmental stressors, similar to psychological stressors.
Related Concept Videos
02:45Responses to Heat and Cold Stress
Every organism has an optimum temperature range within which healthy growth and physiological functioning can occur. At the ends of this range, there will be a minimum and maximum temperature that interrupt biological processes.
01:09Thermal Stress
If the temperature of an object is changed while it is prevented from expanding or contracting, the object is subjected to stress. The stress is compressive if the object expands in the absence of constraint and tensile if it contracts. This stress resulting from temperature change is known as thermal stress. It can be quite large and can cause damage. To avoid this stress, engineers may design components so they can expand and contract freely. For instance, on highways, gaps are deliberately...
01:29Personality Theory by Eysenck and Eysenck
Hans and Sybil Eysenck developed a widely recognized theory of personality, which emphasizes the role of temperament and genetically based differences in shaping individual traits. Their theory posits that biological factors primarily determine personality and can be understood through two main dimensions: extroversion/introversion and neuroticism/stability.
In the extroversion/introversion dimension, highly extroverted people are sociable, outgoing, and easily connect with others. In contrast,...
In the extroversion/introversion dimension, highly extroverted people are sociable, outgoing, and easily connect with others. In contrast,...
01:27Introduction to Stress and Lifestyle
Stress is a multifaceted response to events perceived as challenging or threatening, highlighting physical, emotional, cognitive, and behavioral reactions. Physically, stress can lead to fatigue, sleep disruptions, and various health issues such as frequent colds, chest pains, and nausea. Emotionally, it can manifest as anxiety, depression, irritability, and anger triggered by both minor and major life events. Cognitively, it may result in difficulty in concentration, memory, and...
01:20Psychological Responses to Stress
Psychological responses to stress encompass the various cognitive and emotional reactions individuals experience when faced with challenging or threatening situations, such as a job loss. Prolonged exposure to stressors can disturb emotional balance, increasing negative emotions (e.g., anxiety and sadness) and diminishing positive emotions (e.g., joy and satisfaction). These persistent emotional shifts are associated with an increased risk of both physical illness and mental health issues, such...
01:23Stress Prevention and Stress Management Techniques II
Personality types, particularly Type A and Type B, significantly influence how individuals respond to stress. These personality distinctions are marked by varying levels of ambition, competitiveness, and coping styles, all of which shape an individual's resilience to stressors.
Type A Personality: Driven and Easily Stressed
Individuals with Type A personalities are often highly competitive and ambitious and operate with a strong sense of urgency. Commonly labeled as "workaholics," they...
Type A Personality: Driven and Easily Stressed
Individuals with Type A personalities are often highly competitive and ambitious and operate with a strong sense of urgency. Commonly labeled as "workaholics," they...