Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 18, 2026

Applying an eMASS Customization Program as a Research Tool to Evaluate Consumer Benefits
Published on: September 27, 2019
Cross-sectional associations between the five factor personality traits and leisure-time sitting-time: the effect of
Jeanette Frost Ebstrup1, Mette Aadahl, Lene Falgaard Eplov
1Research Centre for Prevention and Health, The Capital Region of Denmark, Glostrup, Denmark.
Background:
Leisure-time sitting-time (LTST) is seen as a possible independent risk-factor for physical and mental health, but research on psychological determinants is sparse. Associations between sitting-time and the personality dimensions of neuroticism, extroversion, openness, agreeableness, and conscientiousness, and the role of general self-efficacy (GSE) were investigated.
Methods:
A population-based, cross-sectional study was conducted at the Research Centre for Prevention and Health, Denmark, in 2006-08. Men and women (N = 3471) aged 18 to 69, were randomly sampled in the suburbs of Copenhagen. The NEO Five-Factor Inventory, the General Self-Efficacy-Scale, and the Physical Activity Scale 2 were used.
Results:
Negative associations were found between LTST and extroversion, conscientiousness, and openness, while neuroticism showed a positive association (R2 = .13). The associations with agreeableness became significantly positive, when GSE was included. All 5 associations were mediated by GSE, with mediation proportions between 23%-60%; but with modest effect sizes.
Conclusions:
These cross-sectional results indicate that personality traits and GSE could be considered as associates of LTST; but future longitudinal data are necessary to make causal statements and rule out alternative models fitting data.
Related Concept Videos
Self-Efficacy
Five-Factor Theory of Personality
Openness reflects creativity, curiosity, and openness to new experiences. Individuals scoring high in openness are imaginative, have a wide range of interests, and are independent thinkers. Low...
Self-Presentation: Self-Monitoring and Self-Handicapping
Self-Discrepancy Theory
Self-Serving Bias
Factors Influencing Attraction VI: Personality Traits
