The Built-In Environment: The Role of Personality and Physical Activity

In Brief Personality trait psychology has seen a reemergence in recent years, and researchers are beginning to apply personality models to understand health behavior habits. This review features recent research on personality correlates of physical activity (PA) and the integration of personality with PA-related social cognition. The current definition and status of general personality work is introduced followed by a review and discussion of the evidence for personality and PA relations. The review concludes with recommendations for personality-matched PA marketing and experimental and longitudinal designs. Extraversion and conscientiousness may be important endogenous influences on physical activity participation. Physical activity interventions may need to consider these factors for success.