13 Personality Types: How Your Personality Affects Your Health

Your personality is a unique blend of traits that can have a significant impact on your choices, behavior, emotions, and even your health. The way you perceive the world, cope with stress, and make decisions can all influence your mental and physical well-being. 

What kind of personality do you have? Take a closer look at the different personality types and find out where you likely fit. 

1. Type A Personality

  • Assertive
  • Controlling
  • Hard-working
  • Results-oriented
  • Perfectionist
  • Impatient
  • Tense
  • Likely to multi-task
  • Competitive

The term Type A personality originated in the 1950s when cardiologist Meyer Friedman inferred a relationship between cases of heart disease and certain personality characteristics. He observed that people who exhibited high-stress traits were at a higher risk of heart disease. His 1974 book entitled “Type A Behavior And Your Heart” became a bestseller and the term “Type A Behavior” eventually turned into a psychology jargon.

According to WebMD, people with Type A personality tend to face a higher level of stress because they put a lot of pressure on themselves. They don’t like to waste time so they usually multitask to get more things done quickly. However, when events don’t work according to plan, they may feel impatient and irritated. Type A individuals are also known for being quite critical of their achievements. Instead of celebrating their accomplishments, they can get caught up in analyzing what they could have done better.

2. Type B Personality

  • Relaxed
  • Laid back
  • Focused on enjoyment

Type B personality is the reverse of Type A. Type B folks are less prone to stress compared to Type As because they focus on the pleasure of doing things rather than the drive or grit to win. They maintain a clear sight of their goals by working steadily, while enjoying the process. Type Bs are less likely to be stressed if they miss a deadline, fail to win a competition, or are unable to complete a task. Since they are better at coping with stress, people with Type B personality often have better heart health. However, their relaxed nature can result in a less proactive approach to health.

3. Optimistic Personality

  • Sees positive things in life
  • Uses constructive language
  • Resilient
  • Quickly bounces from setbacks

Optimists cultivate a positive mindset, that’s why they are tagged as people who “look on the bright side” of things. Optimistic individuals use positive language, not only when speaking to others, but also for self-affirmations. 

When good things happen, optimistic people give themselves credit for how the situation turned out. When things don’t go as expected, optimists do not blame themselves and think that setbacks are just temporary situations that they can get past. Sometimes, they try to find humor in challenging moments. 

According to WellTuned, these personality traits can lower blood pressure and the risk of heart attack. However, being overly optimistic can sometimes hinder people from assessing risks and preparing for tough situations.

4. Pessimistic Personality

  • Negative mindset
  • Likes to blame themselves
  • Zooms in on the problem

Negative thoughts often fill the head of pessimists and they like to blame themselves when things don’t turn out as planned. They tend to zoom in on the problem and think that bad things are going to happen, which creates stress. Based on studies, pessimistic individuals are susceptible to high blood pressure and heart disease. 

5. Extroverted Personality

  • Expressive
  • Friendly
  • Sociable 
  • Outgoing
  • Active
  • Talkative
  • Energetic

Swiss psychologist Carl Jung, founder of analytical psychology, describes extroverts as people who feel energized by social interactions. It’s no wonder why they’re often called the “life of the party”. 

According to WebMD, extroverts may have stronger immune systems. Since they are often exposed to many people, their immune systems are more active in protecting their bodies from infection.  In addition, extroverts are not afraid to take action so they are more willing to seek medical help when needed.

6. Introverted Personality

  • Typically quiet
  • Reserved
  • Prefers working independently

Introverts enjoy alone time and are not fond of socializing. They have a smaller social circle compared to extroverts. When managing stress, introverts find comfort in silence. They are slower to seek medical help in contrast to extroverts. 

7. Impulsive Personality

  • Spontaneous
  • Bold
  • Courageous
  • Impatient

Impulsive individuals are spontaneous, often acting on their whim. That means they tend to act without thinking things through. Examples are overindulging in shopping, engaging in an activity on the spot, and oversharing things. In some cases, impulsive actions without considering the consequences may be a predisposition to compulsive activities such as gambling and substance abuse.

8. Addictive Personality

  • Adventurous or thrill-seekers
  • Risk-takers
  • Has issues with responsibility
  • Lacks self-regulation

People with an addictive personality find it difficult to control certain behaviors. They give in to intense cravings despite negative consequences. According to Mayo Clinic, health conditions and environmental factors can make a person inclined to addictive behaviors.

9. Narcissistic Personality

  • Self-centered
  • Entitled
  • Exploitative

Narcissists think that the world revolves around them. They exhibit excessive self-admiration and believe that they deserve special treatment. Narcissists are also known to take advantage of other people. Research claims that people with narcissistic personality are more likely to have health issues such as heart problems.

10. Neurotic Personality

  • Exhibits self-doubt
  • Shy
  • Prone to anxiety and depression

Neuroticism is characterized by a person’s tendency toward self-doubt, anxiety, depression, and other negative feelings. People with a neurotic personality are often shy and prone to emotional outbursts. According to Psych Central, neurotic individuals do not always show outward signs, but deep inside, they are internalizing negative emotions.

11. Conscientious Personality

  • Reliable
  • Self-disciplined
  • Highly organized
  • Demonstrates self-control

Conscientious individuals are usually achievers, and are likely to be in stable relationships. They tend to eat a well-balanced diet, exercise regularly, and are less likely to take abusive substances. According to Psychology Today, conscientious people are enthusiastic about self-care and that’s why they usually live longer. 

12. Agreeable Personality

  • Compassionate
  • Trustworthy
  • Thoughtful
  • Sociable

Agreeable individuals get along well with other people and make friends easily. They are honest, empathetic, and cooperative. Agreeable people usually get pleasure from taking care of or serving others. However, folks with this kind of personality prefer to avoid confrontations which may result in suppressed emotions and unresolved issues leading to anxiety. 

13. Resilient Personality

  • Flexible
  • Adaptable
  • Doesn’t give up easily

Resilient people easily adapt to change and can handle adversity, tragedy, or stress. They don’t let challenges or failure stand in the way of their goals. When things don’t go as expected, they find ways to overturn the situation. According to WellTuned, people who are resilient like to exercise and keep their minds engaged.

Conclusion

It is important to note that personality is just one factor that affects health. Other factors such as genetics, environment, and way of life also play a role. However, understanding how your personality may affect your health can help you make more informed choices and take steps to improve your overall well-being.

If you are concerned about how your personality may be affecting your health, talk to your doctor or a mental health professional. They can help you identify areas where you may need to make changes and develop strategies for coping with stress and other challenges.

Sources:

WebMD

WellTuned

Harvard Health Publishing

Mayo Clinic

Psych Central

Psychology Today

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