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Are you a negative person? This study says you’re more likely to die young
A new study has found a link between neuroticism, a personality trait associated with negative emotions, and premature death.
Those with high neuroticism tend to experience feelings like anxiety, fear, anger, frustration, envy, pessimism, guilt and loneliness.
People with high neuroticism more likely to die young
The study, published in the Journal of Affective Disorders, used data from almost 500,000 adults in the UK Biobank who completed a neuroticism scale between 2006 and 2010 and found that neuroticism was related to a higher risk of premature mortality.
Any death that occurs before the average age of death in a certain population from something other than old age is premature, such as cancer, car accidents or heart disease. The average life expectancy in the US is 76 years.
All of the participants, aged between 38 and 73 at the start of the study, were asked to complete a questionnaire with statements like “Are you a worrier?” and “Do you often feel lonely?” which they had to answer based on their feelings.
Researchers used this data to give each person a neuroticism score and those who scored one standard deviation higher on neuroticism had a 10% greater risk of dying. 43,400 (8.8%) of the participants passed away during the 17-year study follow-up.
Loneliness was most associated with early death
Out of all the emotions that come with neuroticism, loneliness was most strongly associated with premature death, especially in men. Neuroticism and loneliness were linked to a range of causes of death including intentional self-harm, respiratory and digestive diseases and heart disease.
Senior author Antonio Terracciano, a professor of geriatrics at Florida State University College of Medicine, told PsyPost that the study suggests “the tendency to feel sad, tense, or lonely can increase the risk of premature mortality”.
He added that improving your “social connections” could help “manage such negative emotions” and lower your risk of early death.
To prevent loneliness, the NHS recommends keeping in touch with friends and family, joining groups or clubs and doing things you enjoy to improve your wellbeing. Even just spending time outdoors, playing sports or reading can help to occupy your mind.
Talking more openly about feeling alone can help, to a friend or counsellor, and volunteering is another great way to meet new people.
