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Updated: Mar 22, 2026
05:59
Visualization of Intensity Levels to Reduce the Gap Between Self-Reported and Directly Measured Physical Activity
Published on: March 7, 2019
7.3K
Bidirectional associations between personality and physical activity in adulthood
Mark S Allen1, Christopher A Magee1, Stewart A Vella2
1School of Psychology.
Summary
Personality traits influence physical activity levels over time, but physical activity has minimal impact on personality development. This highlights the importance of personality in maintaining an active lifestyle.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Behavioral Science
- Health Science
Background:
- Personality and physical activity are key determinants of life outcomes.
- Understanding their interplay is crucial for public health and well-being.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the bidirectional relationship between personality traits and physical activity.
- To determine if personality influences physical activity or vice versa, or both.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a longitudinal study design with a nationally representative sample of 10,227 Australian adults.
- Employed latent change score modeling to analyze personality and physical activity data collected across three time points (2006, 2010, 2014).
- Controlled for demographic and health variables including age, sex, education, and physical and mental health.
Main Results:
- Conscientiousness and openness positively predicted increases in physical activity.
- Agreeableness negatively predicted physical activity, indicating a decrease.
- Physical activity was linked to increased openness and, for women, conscientiousness, but only between the first two time points.
Conclusions:
- Personality traits significantly predict changes in physical activity over time.
- Physical activity demonstrated a limited impact on subsequent personality changes.
- The associations between personality and physical activity were moderated by age.
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