Personality and change in physical activity across 3–10 years

Abstract

Objective To examine the association between personality traits, defined by the Five-Factor Model, and the initiation and termination of physical activity across adulthood. Design Longitudinal analysis of participants from nine samples (N > 28,000). Main Outcome Measures Physical activity status at follow-up. Results A random-effect meta-analysis revealed that higher conscientiousness, extraversion, and openness were related to a higher likelihood of initiation of physical activity over time among individuals who were physically inactive at baseline and to a lower risk of termination of physical activity among those who were physically active at baseline. In contrast, higher neuroticism was associated with a lower probability of initiation of physical activity and a higher likelihood of termination over time. Although not hypothesised, agreeableness was also associated with better physical activity outcomes over time. Conclusion This study provides the largest and the longest evidence of a replicable association between personality and change in physical activity status. Personality may motivate both the initiation and termination of physical activity.