Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 20, 2026

Visualization of Intensity Levels to Reduce the Gap Between Self-Reported and Directly Measured Physical Activity
Published on: March 7, 2019
The Five-Factor Model of Personality and Physical Inactivity: A Meta-Analysis of 16 Samples
Angelina R Sutin1, Yannick Stephan2, Martina Luchetti1
1Florida State University College of Medicine.
Abstract:
A sedentary lifestyle is harmful for health; personality traits may contribute to physical (in)activity. With participant-level data from 16 samples (N>125,000), we examined the personality correlates of physical inactivity, frequency of physical activity, and sedentary behavior (in a subset of samples). Lower Neuroticism and higher Conscientiousness were associated with more physical activity and less inactivity and sedentary behavior. Extraversion and Openness were also associated with more physical activity and less inactivity, but these traits were mostly unrelated to specific sedentary behaviors (e.g., TV watching). The results generally did not vary by age or sex. The findings support the notion that the interest, motivational, emotional, and interpersonal processes assessed by five-factor model traits partly shape the individual's engagement in physical activity.
Related Concept Videos
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...
Factors Influencing Attraction VI: Personality Traits
Factors Influencing Attraction II: Physical Attraction
Introduction to Personality Psychology
Early Theories of Personality
The study of...
Personality Theory by Eysenck and Eysenck
In the extroversion/introversion dimension, highly extroverted people are sociable, outgoing, and easily connect with others. In contrast,...
Cattell's 16 Personality Factors
In contrast, source traits are the...

