Neuroticism might get a lot of flack and be considered unhealthy, but new research suggests that it may be linked to longer life.
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A study published in Psychological Science from SAGE Journals found that in addition to harnessing positive traits like, creativity and intelligence, it might be linked to leading a longer life. But the connection only depends on what type of neurotic you are, and how healthy you believe to be.
Touted a mild mental condition that brings about stress and worry, someone who is neurotic is often frightened or anxious about a bunch of things that others might deem unimportant.
The University of Edinburgh and the University of Southampton studied more than 500,000 British adults between the ages of 37 and 73, over the course of six years. During that time, around 4,500 of the participants died.
The study ensured that participants complete a personality assessment that measures neuroticism, in addition to being asked their views on whether they thought they were in good health.
In the initial analysis, researchers found mortality rates were somewhat higher for those with neuroticism. Conversely, when taking into account the results of people’s self-rated health tests, the researchers found that actually being higher in neuroticism came with a lower risk of death.
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Though there is no relationship between neuroticism and mortality, researchers point out that among those who rated their health as “fair” or “poor,” being high in neuroticism was linked with a small protective effort.
The study goes on to prove though that the average person who views themselves more neurotic are also more likely to rate their health as poor. This might be because those who are neurotic tend to live longer because they’re more vigilant and protective of their health due to an astonishing vulnerability that leads to healthier habits.
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