Abstract

THOMAS, Caroline Venzon  and  CASTRO, Elisa Kern de. Personality, health behaviors and adherence to treatment in patiens through the big five model: A literature review. Psic., Saúde & Doenças [online]. 2012, vol.13, n.1, pp.100-109. ISSN 1645-0086.

Personality factors have been studied in Psychology as important elements associated to health behaviors and adherence to medical treatments. The present paper aims at reviewing international literature regarding personality and health factors, based on the Big Five model. The concept of personality is discussed, as well as studies that examined the relationship between personality and health behaviors. All personality factors seem to have influence on individuals’ physical health; however, it is noted that the Neuroticism factor  has negative effects on health. This factor has been linked to the development of a multitude of physical diseases. Yet, Conscientiousness seems to be the factor most associated with healthier behaviors.

Keywords : personality; big five; health behaviors; adherence.

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