Key result
Extraversion and conscientiousness link to higher physical activity in adults over 40, whereas neuroticism correlates negatively.
Why the study?
Personality-physical activity associations and personality-informed interventions in middle-aged and older adults remain under-explored despite the importance of promoting physical activity in this population.
How do Five-Factor Model personality traits influence physical activity engagement in adults aged ≥40 years?
Systematic Review
How do Five-Factor Model personality traits influence physical activity engagement in adults aged ≥40 years?
Personality traits such as extraversion, conscientiousness, and neuroticism significantly influence physical activity engagement in middle-aged and older adults, highlighting a need for trait-tailored interventions.
Highlights potential for personality-based PA strategies in adults ≥40; leaves open whether trait-targeted interventions improve adherence.
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Promoting physical activity (PA) is essential for health in middle-aged and older adults, yet global activity levels remain low. While personality is a recognized determinant of PA in the general adult population, personality-PA associations and personality-informed interventions in middle-aged and older adults remain under-explored. This rapid review aimed to synthesize evidence on Five-Factor Model personality traits and PA outcomes in adults aged ≥40 years and to explore trait-tailored interventions for this group. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: Following PRISMA guidelines, systematic searches of PubMed, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and Cochrane Library were conducted through May 2025. A narrative synthesis approach was used to analyze eligible observational or intervention studies. Methodological quality was assessed using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool Version 2018. RESULTS: 19 studies met the inclusion criteria. Extraversion was consistently linked to higher PA across age groups, while neuroticism exhibited negative associations primarily in middle and older adulthood. Conscientiousness demonstrated positive relationships that strengthened with age, and openness was associated with PA primarily during transitional life stages. Evidence for agreeableness remained inconclusive. Only 2 PA interventions incorporated personality traits, highlighting a critical research gap. These preliminary findings suggest that intervention efficacy may depend on traits, with a digital self-control program benefiting highly conscientious individuals and an exergaming program particularly motivating less extraverted participants. DISCUSSION AND IMPLICATIONS: Personality traits influence PA engagement in middle-aged and older adults, with relationships varying by trait and life stage. These findings provide a foundation for developing personality-informed interventions aimed at enhancing PA engagement in aging populations.
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Chu et al. (2026) conducted a systematic review in Physical activity. Five-Factor Model personality traits was evaluated on Physical activity outcomes. Five-Factor Model personality traits influence physical activity in adults ≥40 years, with extraversion and conscientiousness positively associated and neuroticism negatively associated with activity.
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