Conscientiousness, Hair Cortisol Concentration, and Health Behavior in Older Men and Women

Background: Conscientiousness, one of the Big Five personality traits, is consistently linked to better health outcomes and longevity. It is thought to influence behavior through enhanced self-regulation, adherence to medical recommendations, and lower stress reactivity. Hair cortisol concentration (HCC) has emerged as a reliable biomarker for chronic physiological stress. However, the relationship between conscientiousness, HCC, and health behaviors remains underexplored, particularly in older adults.Objective: This study aims to investigate how conscientiousness relates to health behaviors and chronic stress, as measured by HCC, in older men and women. It also explores potential sex differences in these associations.Methods: A cross-sectional sample of ۳۵۰ older adults (aged ۶۵–۸۵) was recruited. Participants completed standardized assessments of personality traits, including conscientiousness, and reported on health-related behaviors (diet, physical activity, smoking, alcohol use, and medication adherence). Hair samples were collected and analyzed for cortisol concentration using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Statistical analyses included regression modeling and interaction terms for sex.Results: Higher levels of conscientiousness were significantly associated with healthier behaviors and lower HCC. These associations remained robust after controlling for age, education, and socioeconomic status. Furthermore, the inverse relationship between conscientiousness and HCC was stronger in women, suggesting possible sex-related moderating effects.Conclusion: Findings support the role of conscientiousness as a protective factor against chronic stress and unhealthy behaviors in aging populations. Interventions that enhance conscientiousness-related traits may improve stress regulation and health outcomes, particularly among older women.

کلیدواژه ها:

cortisol ، Memory ، Stress Hormone ، Metabolism Regulation ، Inflammation Reduction