Personality Can Change Over a Long Period of Time
Definition
Personality
Personality refers to the enduring characteristics and behavior that comprise a person's unique adjustment to life.
- Personality is not a fixed blueprint.
- It evolves through experiences, coaching, and reflection.
- This adaptability is essential for growth in sports and life.
Think of personality as a dynamic interplay between traits (enduring characteristics) and states (temporary behaviors influenced by situations).
Personality and Health
- Personality Traits & Physical Activity
- Extraversion & Conscientiousness → Positively related to physical activity.
- Neuroticism → Negatively related (higher anxiety & depression = less exercise).
- Studies (Rhodes, Smith, 2006) show correlations but no strong cause-effect relationship (Weinberg & Gould, 2019).
- Type A vs. Type B Personalities & Health
- Type A Personality:
- Highly competitive, self-critical, ambitious.
- Impatient, aggressive, high-stress levels.
- Increased risk of heart disease & health issues due to stress.
- Type B Personality:
- Relaxed, tolerant, laid-back, adaptable.
- Less stressed, more patient, less driven by time pressure.
- Perceived as living a stress-free, content life
- Type A Personality:
Does physical activity shape personality, or does personality shape physical activity?
Case study- Study Focus: Examined the relationship between personality traits and health anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Key Findings:
- Extraversion, agreeableness, and conscientiousness were negatively associated with health anxiety.
- Suggests these traits have a protective effect, reducing stress and worry about health.
- Caution in Interpretation:
- Findings are correlational, not causal.
- Short-term studies may not provide a full picture of how personality impacts health.
- Need for longitudinal studies to explore long-term effects and causation.
