Study Links Personality Traits To Medical Conditions

KYW Medical Reports Sponsored By Independence Blue Cross

By Dr. Brian McDonough, Medical Editor

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Can our personalities have an impact on the development of medical conditions? According to research out of Scotland this may be the case.

According to their research, two self-reported personality traits, neuroticism and openness, were associated with diabetes. Some have said there are five major personality traits: Neuroticism, openness, extroversion, agreeableness, and conscientiousness. But people who tended to display neuroticism or openness either were more likely to develop diabetes or potentially had a genetic link between the personality trait and the condition.

Personality traits are important to study because they remain stable across one's lifetime. Those who argue against the study say that there are numerous factors associated with diabetes and although personality traits may be considered, they certainly don't guarantee a problem. Lifestyle has more of a role.