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Associations between personality traits, physical activity level, and muscle strength
Magdalena I Tolea1, Antonio Terracciano, Eleanor M Simonsick
1Gerontology Program, School of Social Work, University of Missouri - St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63121, USA.
Journal of Research in Personality
|August 23, 2013
Summary
Personality traits like neuroticism and extraversion are linked to muscle strength in older adults. Physical activity partially explains these associations, highlighting health behaviors
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Psychology
- Exercise Science
Background:
- Personality traits influence health behaviors and outcomes.
- Muscle strength is a key component of physical function in aging.
- Previous research has linked personality to physical activity but less so to muscle strength.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the associations between the Five Factor Model personality traits and muscle strength.
- To explore the mediating role of physical activity in these associations.
- To examine personality's influence on physical function beyond physical activity.
Main Methods:
- Utilized data from the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging (N=1220).
- Employed general linear modeling adjusted for age, sex, race, and BMI.
- Conducted bootstrapping mediation analysis to assess indirect effects.
Main Results:
- Neuroticism negatively correlated with muscle strength.
- Extraversion and its facets (warmth, activity, positive emotions) positively correlated with strength.
- Physical activity partially mediated the link between personality traits and muscle strength.
Conclusions:
- Personality traits are associated with muscle strength in older adults.
- Physical activity serves as a significant pathway linking personality to physical function.
- Findings underscore the importance of health behaviors in the relationship between personality and physical health.
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