Personality Type vs Health

"HAPPY-GO-LUCKY

They may always have a half-full view of life, but optimists are also more likely to be overweight.

The researchers found that those who were most positive lost the least weight. It’s thought that looking on the bright side led to patients not caring about their weight problem and always giving into temptation.

Another study at Stanford University found that most cheerful kids grew up to smoke, drink more and have riskier hobbies.

ANXIOUS

Researchers at Descartes University, Paris, and the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, have found that needy personalities are five times more likely to develop stomach ulcers.

Dependent, emotionally unstable types may be more likely to smoke and drink, have irregular eating habits and sleep problems - which all lead to higher than normal rates of stomach acid production, triggering the ulcers.

High levels of the stress hormone cortisol can also trigger headaches, acne and bladder infections.

The good news? Anxious people have more sex, according to a Sheffield University study.

SENSITIVE

Men who are more like women - sympathetic and compassionate - have lower stress levels and are less likely to have heart attacks, found research at Glasgow University.

In the study men were given a “masculinity”and “femininity” score based on traits such as leadership ability, forcefulness, aggression and risk-taking for the former, and sympathy, affection, compassion and sensitivity to the needs of others for the latter.

Researchers found a man’s likelihood of suffering from chronic heart disease markedly decreased in line with his femininity score. They said being in touch with their feelings meant these “new men” were more able to talk about their emotions and get help - including going to the doctor.

ARGUMENTATIVE

Hostile, aggressive behaviour is one of the least healthy personality traits to have.

Angry people respond more quickly and strongly to stress, mentally and physiologically, increasing blood pressure and heart rate - causing more wear and tear to the cardiovascular system.

OUTGOING

Extrovert men are less likely to get heart disease, according to a Milan University study. They are also less prone to infections and more likely to recover from disease.

This may be down to reduced levels of stress hormones - extroverts are better are coping with what life throws at them. And if they think they have a medical problem, they’re likely to speak up.

SHY

Shy types are 50 percent more likely to suffer a heart attack or stroke.

Researchers at Chicago’s Northwestern University who carried out the 30-year study, believe this may be because wallflowers lead more sheltered lives and so find new situations more stressful.

Shy types are also more vulnerable to viral infections, such as the common cold - whatever time of year it may be - according to research from the University of California, with stress once again playing a key role.

DIM

A low IQ is correlated with greater risk of anxiety, late-onset dementia and post-traumatic stress disorder, say researchers at the University of Edinburgh.

Furthermore, a Harvard School of Public Health study on children with low IQ found there was also an increased risk of depression and schizophrenia.

One theory is simple: people with low intelligence have a harder time understanding the importance of healthy living.

VIRTUOUS

As you’d expect, people who are conscientious reap enormous benefits healthwise, say researchers at the University of Edinburgh and the Social and Public Health Sciences Unit in Glasgow.

They are less likely to develop all kinds of illnesses: diabetes, hernia, bone problems, sciatica, stroke and even Alzheimer’s.

The review of more than 190 studies showed that conscientious people consistently carry out more health-promoting behaviours, such as exercising and eating a healthy diet."

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