Predicting Exercise in Late Midlife from Young Adult Personality Characteristics

Abstract

This study explored the relationship between personality and exercise over the life span by using young adult personality characteristics to predict current exercise behavior in late middle-aged male graduates from the Harvard University classes of 1942 to 1944. After controlling for prior exercise behavior, body build, and fitness in young adulthood, we found that personality variables improved classification accuracy in discriminant analysis, and especially improved identification of frequent exercisers. Personality variables positively associated with frequent exercise include affective vitality, integration, lack of anxiety, and lack of shyness. Results are interpreted as supporting a psychobiological account of exercise behavior. Caution is suggested in generalizing the results to other populations, such as less privileged socio-economic classes or females.