Does personality change with diagnosis of chronic respiratory diseases?

What is it about?

Chronic respiratory diseases, such as COPD, affect not only physical health but also how people feel, think, and behave—that is their personality. In this study, about 17,000 adults were followed over 12 years to examine personality traits change. Among them, around 1,000 developed a chronic respiratory disease during the follow-up. Even before diagnosis, these individuals already showed small declines in extraversion (the tendency to be outgoing and energetic), openness (the tendency to be curious and creative), agreeableness (the tendency to be kind and cooperative), and conscientiousness (the tendency to be organized and responsible). After diagnosis, changes became stronger: neuroticism (the tendency to be anxious and emotionally unstable) increased, while extraversion, agreeableness, and conscientiousness declined more sharply compared to those without the disease. These findings suggest that the onset of chronic respiratory diseases can negatively shape personality traits, highlighting the importance of care strategies that support not only physical health but also psychological well-being and overall functioning.

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Photo by CNordic Nordic on Unsplash

Photo by CNordic Nordic on Unsplash

Why is it important?

Chronic respiratory diseases are among the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide, and their prevalence continues to rise. While much is known about their physical and functional impact, little attention has been given to their psychological consequences. By documenting how personality traits change with the diagnosis of chronic respiratory diseases, this study highlights the need for novel interventions that support overall functioning and well-being.

Perspectives