How personality traits affect health and lifespan in adults

Personality and Mortality Risk in Adulthood: Behavioral and Physiological Mechanisms

NIH-funded research West Virginia University · NIH-10645631

This study is looking at how different personality traits, like being organized or anxious, can affect your health and how long you live, especially in older adults, to find ways to help people live healthier, longer lives.

Quick facts

Grant typeR03 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionWest Virginia University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Morgantown, United States)
Project IDNIH-10645631 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the connection between personality traits and health outcomes, particularly focusing on how these traits influence behaviors that affect longevity. It aims to identify the mechanisms through which personality impacts health, such as health behaviors and physiological functions. By examining traits like neuroticism and conscientiousness, the study seeks to understand their relationship with risky behaviors and health deterioration in older adults. The findings could help in developing targeted interventions to improve health and extend lifespan.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 21 and older, particularly those who may exhibit varying personality traits linked to health behaviors.

Not a fit: Patients who do not fall within the adult age range or who have no significant personality traits affecting their health behaviors may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to interventions that help individuals adopt healthier behaviors and improve their longevity.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the links between personality traits and health outcomes, indicating that this approach is grounded in established findings.

Where this research is happening

Morgantown, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.