2014/01/03 by Howard S. Friedman, Howard S. Frıedman, Margaret L. Kern · 1 citation
Medicine · Psychology · #Cardiac Health and Mental Health #Optimism, Hope, and Well-being #Psychological Well-being and Life Satisfaction
paper · pdf · doi:10.1146/annurev-psych-010213-115123
openalex publication_date 2014/01/03 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/31
A lifespan perspective on personality and health uncovers new causal pathways and provides a deeper, more nuanced approach to interventions. It is unproven that happiness is a direct cause of good health or that negative emotion, worry, and depression are significant direct causes of disease. Instead, depression-related characteristics are likely often reflective of an already-deteriorating trajectory. It is also unproven that challenging work in a demanding environment usually brings long-term health risks; on the contrary, individual strivings for accomplishment and persistent dedication to one's career or community often are associated with sizeable health benefits. Overall, a substantial body of recent research reveals that conscientiousness plays a very significant role in health, with implications across the lifespan. Much more caution is warranted before policy makers offer narrow health recommendations based on short-term or correlational findings. Attention should be shifted to individual trajectories and pathways to health and well-being.