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Journal of Health Psychology, Vol. 4, No. 2, 193-208 (1999)

Personality, Preventive Health Behaviour and Comparative Optimism about Health Problems

David K. Ingledew

University of Wales, Bangor, UK

Stuart Brunning

University of Wales, Bangor, UK

The aim was to test a model whereby personality influences preventive health behaviour which in turn influences comparative optimism about possible future health problems. Students (N = 150) completed measures of personality (five-factor), preventive health behaviour and comparative optimism. The model was tested using structural equation modelling with observed variables. In the final model, agreeableness and conscientiousness had positive main effects and an interactive effect upon preventive health behaviour. Preventive health behaviour had a positive effect upon comparative optimism. In addition, extraversion had a direct positive effect (not mediated by preventive health behaviour) upon comparative optimism. It is speculated that agreeableness and conscientiousness combine to produce a general regard for social convention that is conducive to healthier behaviour. The effect of extraversion is explicable in terms of positive affectivity.

Key Words: comparative optimism • health behaviour • personality


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