Association of stroke risk factors with personality and discrete emotions

Abstract

There is a significant shift in stroke prevention practices, with advocacy for lifestyle modifications such as regular physical activity taking the lead, while psychosocial and emotional stressors are often omitted. The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to evaluate the association of major stroke risk factors with each discrete emotion and personality. A total of 212 adults with or without known major stroke risk factors (hypertension, diabetes & obesity) participated in the study. Participants were assessed for personality and emotions using the big five personality test, and discrete emotions questionnaire. Measurements of blood pressure, body mass index and fasting blood sugar were measured. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 22 and the level of significance was set at p<0.05. Sixty-six males and 146 females participated in this study. Females scored higher than men in all aspects of negative emotions (P<0.05). Among the personality traits, high agreeableness was found to be associated with reduced systolic hypertension (p = 0.039) and diabetes (p = 0.010). Anger was associated with increased diabetes (p = 0.009), while fear was associated with increased obesity (p = 0.024). High level of agreeableness appears protective of hypertension and diabetes, whereas anger and fear may predispose to each of diabetes and obesity.

Keywords

• Stroke
• Prevention
• Personality
• Emotion
• Nigeria