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Updated: Jul 9, 2026
10:16
Human Circadian Phenotyping and Diurnal Performance Testing in the Real World
Published on: April 7, 2020
Conscientiousness is a predictor of diurnal preference
Alexandra L Hogben1, Jason Ellis, Simon N Archer
1Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Surrey Sleep Research Centre, Guildford, UK.
Chronobiology International
|December 14, 2007
Summary
Conscientiousness, a key personality trait, significantly predicts whether individuals are morning larks or night owls. This finding suggests a potential link between conscientiousness and the biological mechanisms underlying circadian rhythms.
Area of Science:
- Chronobiology
- Personality Psychology
- Sleep Science
Background:
- Diurnal preference, or whether someone is a morning person or evening person, is influenced by circadian rhythms.
- Previous research links diurnal preference to genetic and physiological factors.
- The connection between personality traits and diurnal preference requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between quantifiable personality traits and diurnal preference.
- To identify which personality traits are the strongest predictors of diurnal preference.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the Horne-Ostberg questionnaire to assess diurnal preference in 617 participants.
- Employed hierarchical multiple regression analysis to examine personality traits as predictors.
- Controlled for demographic factors, depression, sleep disorders, and shift work.
Main Results:
- Conscientiousness emerged as the most significant predictor of diurnal preference (beta=0.246).
- This association remained significant after accounting for various confounding variables.
- Other personality variables did not show a significant predictive relationship.
Conclusions:
- Conscientiousness is a key psychological factor associated with diurnal preference.
- The findings suggest a potential biological link between conscientiousness and circadian clock mechanisms.
- Further research is warranted to explore the physiological underpinnings of this relationship.
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