Extraversion, conscientiousness linked to immune system function

Date: Dec-15-2014 Researchers have long suggested that personality may influence health. Now, a new study suggests that certain personality traits may play a role in immune system function.

Researchers found that people who are extraverts - those who tend to be more assertive and sociable - may have stronger immune systems.

The research team - led by Prof. Kavita Vedhara of the School of Medicine at the University of Nottingham in the UK - found that extraverts are more likely to have strong immune systems, while people who are conscientious tend to have weaker immune systems.

To reach their findings, published in the journal Psychoneuroendocrinology, the team enrolled 121 healthy adults - 86 females and 35 males - aged between 18 and 59 years.

All participants were required to complete a test that measured five primary dimensions of personality: extraversion, neuroticism, openness, agreeableness and conscientiousness.

The participants also provided blood samples, and the researchers used microarray technology to assess the link between the five personality traits and the activity of genes in white blood cells that play a role in immune system response.

In addition, the researchers took note of participants' exercise, smoking and drinking behaviors so they could rule these out as contributing factors.

Extraversion increases pro-inflammatory gene expression

Results of the analysis revealed that participants who scored higher for extraversion - a personality that is more assertive, talkative and enthusiastic - had increased expression of pro-inflammatory genes in white blood cells, while those who scored higher on conscientiousness had reduced expression of these genes.

Explaining what these findings mean, Prof. Vedhara says:

"Individuals who we would expect to be exposed to more infections as a result of their socially orientated nature (i.e., extraverts) appear to have immune systems that we would expect can deal effectively with infection, while individuals who may be less exposed to infections because of their cautious/conscientious dispositions have immune systems that may respond less well."

A smaller relationship was found between increased pro-inflammatory gene expression and higher scores on openness, while no link was found between agreeableness and neuroticism and heightened expression of pro-inflammatory genes.

The team notes that their findings remained, even after accounting for participants' smoking, drinking and exercise status, as well as any reported negative emotions.

Overall, the researchers say their findings may improve understanding of how personality affects human health and longevity.

However, Prof. Vedhara notes that further research is needed to understand the biological mechanisms that mediate the link between specific personality traits and immune system function and to answer the question: "Is this our biology determining our psychology or our psychology determining our biology?"

In 2012, Medical News Today reported on a study suggesting that men who are narcissistic - defined as having an inflated view of self-importance - may be more likely to develop cardiovascular problems than those who do not have narcissistic traits.

Another study, published in the journal Aging, found that certain personality traits - such as being easygoing, optimistic and outgoing - may influence how long an individual lives.

Written by Honor Whiteman

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Courtesy: Medical News Today Note: Any medical information available in this news section is not intended as a substitute for informed medical advice and you should not take any action before consulting with a health care professional.