A study conducted at the Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences and the Gerontology Research Center found that health behaviors such as smoking, alcohol consumption, and physical activity are interrelated. Individuals who are less physically active are more likely to consume alcohol and smoke. Conversely, those who engage in healthier behaviors tend to do so across the board. The study followed individuals at the ages of 42, 50, and 61, showing relatively stable patterns of behavior throughout middle adulthood but also positive changes over time.
The research approach of considering multiple health behaviors simultaneously is important, as these behaviors are often studied independently. By examining how these behaviors interact and influence each other, researchers can gain a more comprehensive understanding of overall health patterns. Positive changes in health behaviors were observed over the 19-year follow-up period, with a significant decrease in smoking among the participants. This decrease may be attributed to age, societal circumstances, and increased health concerns in middle adulthood.
Sociodemographic characteristics were found to play a role in health behavior patterns, with women, married individuals, those with a degree, and white-collar workers more likely to engage in healthier behaviors. Additionally, personality traits such as conscientiousness, openness, agreeableness, neuroticism, and extraversion were linked to health behaviors. Surprisingly, individuals with lower extraversion were associated with healthier behaviors, contrary to previous research findings that linked high extraversion to physical activity.
The study is part of the Jyväskylä Longitudinal Study of Personality and Social Development, which has been following the development of individuals for over 50 years. This long-term study provides valuable insights into how health behaviors evolve over time and how personal characteristics play a role in shaping these behaviors. The research was supported by the TRAILS project funded by the Research Council of Finland, as well as the JYPE research grant from the Rehabilitation Foundation Peurunka and the University of Jyväskylä.
Overall, the study highlights the importance of considering multiple health behaviors simultaneously and how they interact with each other. By understanding the relationships between smoking, alcohol consumption, and physical activity, researchers can better tailor interventions and prevention strategies to promote healthier behaviors. The findings also show that sociodemographic characteristics and personality traits play a role in shaping health behaviors, emphasizing the need for personalized approaches to health promotion.
