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Physical Activity and Personality Development over Twenty Years: Evidence from Three Longitudinal Samples
Yannick Stephan1, Angelina R Sutin2, Martina Luchetti2
1Euromov, Univ. Montpellier, Montpellier, FRANCE.
Journal of Research in Personality
|April 14, 2018
Summary
A sedentary lifestyle is linked to negative personality changes over time. This study found physical inactivity predicts long-term declines in conscientiousness, openness, extraversion, and agreeableness.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Longitudinal Studies
- Health Behavior
Background:
- Physical inactivity is linked to adverse personality development.
- Previous research focused on shorter follow-up periods.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the long-term association between physical inactivity and personality trajectories over 20 years.
- To extend previous findings on the relationship between lifestyle and personality development.
Main Methods:
- Utilized data from three large samples (N=8,723): Wisconsin Longitudinal Study Graduates and Siblings, and Midlife in the United States Study.
- Employed statistical analyses controlling for demographic factors and disease burden.
- Conducted a meta-analysis to synthesize findings across samples.
Main Results:
- Baseline physical inactivity predicted steeper declines in conscientiousness across all samples (meta-analysis β=-.06).
- Lower physical activity was associated with declines in openness (β=-.05), extraversion (β=-.03), and agreeableness (β=-.03).
Conclusions:
- A physically inactive lifestyle is associated with detrimental long-term personality trajectories.
- Sedentary behavior may negatively impact personality development over decades.
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