Personality measured as Murray’s psychological needs and all-cause mortality: 41 years of follow-up of a population-based sample

Abstract

ObjectiveTo examine the associations between personality traits, measured as Murray’s psychological needs, and mortality over 41years. MethodWe used a general population sample aged 18–65 (n=1094) examined in 1970 according to the Cesarec-Marke Personality Schedule (eleven traits) linked to mortality data. Internal associations were examined using factor analysis, and their associations with mortality using Cox proportional hazard regression models. ResultsDuring follow-up, 513 persons died. In men aged 26–45, achievement and affiliation predicted increased mortality: HR=1.19, 95% CI 1.04–1.36 and HR=1.16, 95% CI 1.01–1.33 per step on a stanine scale. In men aged 18–25, nurturance was protective: HR=0.77, 95% CI, 0.64–0.98 per stanine. In women aged 18–25, feelings of guilt increased the risk of mortality, while dominance was protective: HR=1.38, 95% CI 1.09–1.75, and HR=0.74, 95% CI 0.55–0.99 per stanine, respectively. In women aged 46–65, exhibition increased the risk of mortality: HR=1.09, 95% CI, 1.00–1.18 per stanine. There were no significant associations when all age groups were combined. ConclusionsPersonality traits, measured as Murray’s needs, associated with mortality, but the differed according to age at assessment and sex.