Character Traits Predict Health and Well-Being beyond Personality

J Pers Assess. 2024 Jan-Feb;106(1):116-126. doi: 10.1080/00223891.2023.2197064. Epub 2023 Apr 10.

Abstract

We examined the incremental validity of character in predicting health outcomes and well-being beyond personality traits and investigated the extent to which health-related behaviors mediate the relationship between character and well-being. Findings indicate that several character cores (e.g., transcendence, fortitude) predict well-being, health behaviors, and health outcomes beyond different measures of personality traits, indicating that character is discriminable from personality as indicated by incremental prediction. In particular, fortitude, temperance, transcendence, and sincerity appear to be key players. Implications for character research are discussed.

MeSH terms

  • Character
  • Humans
  • Personality Disorders
  • Personality Inventory
  • Personality*
  • Temperament*