A study conducted by researchers from Florida State University, recently published in the Journal of Affective Disorders (JAD), has identified a connection between neuroticism and a higher risk of premature death from various causes.
What is Neuroticism?
Neuroticism is a personality trait characterized by emotional instability and a tendency to experience negative emotions such as anxiety, fear, and loneliness. Individuals with high levels of neuroticism may struggle with stress, leading to behaviors that could compromise their health over time.
Study Overview
The study analyzed data from approximately 500,000 individuals aged 38 to 73, gathered from the UK Biobank, over a 13.4-year period. During this time, over 43,000 participants passed away. The researchers used statistical models to account for variables such as age, sex, education, smoking habits, and pre-existing medical conditions like diabetes and hypertension. These adjustments ensured that the findings reflected the impact of neuroticism independently from other health risks.
Key Findings
The study found that participants with higher levels of neuroticism had a 10% increased risk of death from any cause during the observation period. Moreover, the data revealed that neuroticism was associated with multiple specific causes of mortality, including:
- Respiratory diseases
- Digestive disorders
- Cardiovascular diseases
- Self-harm and injuries
Why Does Neuroticism Increase Health Risks?
According to the researchers, individuals with high levels of neuroticism often engage in risky behaviors and struggle to cope with stress effectively. This chronic stress can gradually wear down the body, making people more vulnerable to health complications and increasing their likelihood of engaging in harmful behaviors.
The findings underscore the importance of addressing mental health issues and stress management to reduce long-term health risks.