The five-factor model of personality and physical inactivity: A meta-analysis of 16 samples

Angelina R. Sutin*, Yannick Stephan, Martina Luchetti, Ashley Artese, Atsushi Oshio, Antonio Terracciano

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

144 Citations (Scopus)

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.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)22-28
Number of pages7
JournalJournal of Research in Personality
Volume63
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2016 Aug 1

Keywords

  • Conscientiousness
  • Five factor model
  • Personality
  • Physical activity
  • Sedentary behavior

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Social Psychology
  • Psychology(all)

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