Keqin Chu, Jasmine Montayre, Patrick Pui Kin Kor, Jed Montayre
Nineteen studies met the inclusion criteria. Extraversion was consistently linked to higher PA across age groups, while neuroticism exhibited negative associations primarily in middle and older adulthood. Conscientiousness demonstrated positive relationships that strengthened with age, and openness was associated with PA primarily during transitional life stages. Evidence for agreeableness remained inconclusive. Only two PA interventions incorporated personality traits, highlighting a critical research gap. These preliminary findings suggest that intervention efficacy may depend on traits, with a digital self-control programme benefiting highly conscientious individuals and an exergame programme particularly motivating less extraverted participants.
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Promoting physical activity (PA) is essential for health in middle-aged and older adults, yet global activity levels remain low. While personality is a recognised determinant of PA in the general adult population, personality-PA associations and personality-informed interventions in middle-aged and older adults remain under-explored. This rapid review aimed to synthesise evidence on Five-Factor Model personality traits and PA outcomes in adults aged ≥40 years and to explore trait-tailored interventions for this group.
METHODS: Following PRISMA guidelines, systematic searches of PubMed, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and Cochrane Library were conducted through May 2025. A narrative synthesis approach was used to analyse eligible observational or intervention studies. Methodological quality was assessed using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool Version 2018.
RESULTS: Nineteen studies met the inclusion criteria. Extraversion was consistently linked to higher PA across age groups, while neuroticism exhibited negative associations primarily in middle and older adulthood. Conscientiousness demonstrated positive relationships that strengthened with age, and openness was associated with PA primarily during transitional life stages. Evidence for agreeableness remained inconclusive. Only two PA interventions incorporated personality traits, highlighting a critical research gap. These preliminary findings suggest that intervention efficacy may depend on traits, with a digital self-control programme benefiting highly conscientious individuals and an exergame programme particularly motivating less extraverted participants.
DISCUSSION AND IMPLICATIONS: Personality traits influence PA engagement in middle-aged and older adults, with relationships varying by trait and life stage. These findings provide a foundation for developing personality-informed interventions aimed at enhancing PA engagement in ageing populations.