Can a person's character help to live a happier life? The answer is yes. According to a new study, personality type directly affects quality of life.
Cambridge researchers have analyzed the data of 60,000 respondents from 159 countries and discovered that the more positive character traits a person has, the less he/she is likely to fall ill. Among the qualities that are positive for health are enthusiasm, curiosity, self-regulation, optimism, honesty, persistence, prudence and compassion. People with all of these qualities appeared to have fuller and happier lives.
The most favorable character trait turned out to be enthusiasm. This is essentially vitality, zest for life, energy, and a desire to take an active part in all aspects of one's life, says study author Dorota Wesiak-Bialowolska.
Her team has found that enthusiasm reduces the likelihood of depression. And being energetic reduces the risk of diabetes and lowers the overall mortality rate. Optimism, on the other hand, proved to be one of the strongest character traits associated with well-being and good health.
But an excellent sense of humor, which is also considered a positive character trait, negatively affects health because it interferes with good rest and sleep. In addition, people who like joking do not work well in a team. Bravery, creative thinking, sense of justice, love of learning, leadership, and spirituality are also not considered to be positive traits. Rather, they negatively impact quality of life.
In addition, the authors of the study note that kindness is a wonderful character trait, but it can lead to exhaustion and compassion fatigue. That, in theory, also negatively affects health.
Source: lifehacker.com
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