Children who are careless and irresponsible are more likely to suffer health problems, including obesity, as adults, according to a new study.
The American study, spanning 50 years, examined the relationship between childhood conscientiousness and adult health.
In the 1960s, 2,000 elementary school children were rated on their personality traits. In 1998, researchers from the Oregon Research Institute (ORI) began locating the individuals.
Researchers said of the 2,000 people originally assessed, over 750 individuals (most around 50 years old) were located and agreed to medical and psychological examinations.
What they found was that individuals who were ranked in the 60s as “less conscientious” – exhibiting traits such as carelessness and irresponsibility – had greater rates of obesity, higher cholesterol levels and increased risk for cardiovascular disease as adults.
They found a strong association between childhood personality traits such as being organized, dependable and self-disciplined and better overall adult health.
Researchers said the associations they found were independent of important factors, such as socioeconomic status, ethnicity and gender.
“These results are significant and unique because they show the far-reaching effects of childhood conscientiousness on adult health,” said ORI researcher Dr. Sarah Hampson.
The results may not sound entirely surprising; researchers said that self-control is a key aspect of conscientiousness.
“People who are more conscientious tend to have better health habits and less stress, which protects them from disease,” said Hampson.
She said the study findings confirm the importance of teaching self-control to kids so they grow up to be healthy adults.
ORI researchers said they would continue follow-up exams over the next five years.
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