Cross-sectional associations between personality traits and device-based measures of step count and sedentary behaviour in older age: the Lothian Birth Cohort 1936

On Behalf Of The Seniors Usp Team ,Iva Čukić,Philippa M Dall,Sebastien F M Chastin,Catharine R Gale,Manon L Dontje,Dawn A Skelton,Ian J Deary

doi:10.1186/s12877-019-1328-3

Abstract

BackgroundWhile the associations between personality traits and self-reported physical activity are well replicated, few studies have examined the associations between personality and device-based measures of both physical activity and sedentary behaviour. Low levels of physical activity and high levels of sedentary behaviour are known risk factors for poorer health outcomes in older age.MethodsWe used device-based measures of physical activity and sedentary behaviour recorded over 7 days in 271 79-year-old participants of the Lothian Birth Cohort 1936. Linear regression models were used to assess whether personality traits were cross-sectionally associated with step count, sedentary time, and the number of sit-to-stand transitions. Personality traits were entered one at a time, and all-together, controlling for age and sex in Model 1 and additionally for BMI and limiting long-term illness in Model 2.ResultsNone of the associations between personality traits and measures of physical activity and sedentary behaviours remained significant after controlling for multiple-comparisons using the False Discovery Rate test (all ps > .07).ConclusionsWe found no evidence that personality traits are associated with device-based measures of physical activity or sedentary behaviour in older age. More studies are needed to replicate and examine the nature of these relationships.

Highlights

While the associations between personality traits and self-reported physical activity are well replicated, few studies have examined the associations between personality and device-based measures of both physical activity and sedentary behaviour
The most recent metaanalysis of 64 studies and a total of 88,400 participants found that higher extraversion (r = .11), conscientiousness (r = .10), and openness (r = .03) were all related to higher levels of physical activity, whereas higher levels of neuroticism were related to lower levels of physical activity (r = −.07) [14]
The present study examined whether personality traits are cross-sectionally associated with device-based measures of physical activity and sedentary behaviour in older age

Summary

Introduction

While the associations between personality traits and self-reported physical activity are well replicated, few studies have examined the associations between personality and device-based measures of both physical activity and sedentary behaviour. Low levels of physical activity and high levels of sedentary behaviour are known risk factors for poorer health outcomes in older age. Well-known correlates of self reported physical activity are personality traits of the Five Factor Model (FFM) [12, 13]. A recent study of 339 twin pairs suggested that observed phenotypic associations between extraversion and neuroticism, and self-reported physical activity, may in part be due to overlapping genetic influences [15]

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