Examining sense of purpose and conscientiousness as unique correlates of health: A bifactor examination

P.L. Hill*, G. Olaru, M. Allemand

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleScientificpeer-review

Abstract

Conscientiousness and sense of purpose consistently predict health, wellbeing, and health behavior. However, it remains an open question whether they are unique or overlapping predictors of health and wellbeing. The current study considered this question using the MOSAiCH study, a nationally representative sample of 2305 Swiss adults (M: 52.33 years old; SD = 17.36). Participants reported on sense of purpose and conscientiousness, in addition to multiple health, wellbeing, and health behavior indicators (e.g. dietary practices, activity engagement, health conditions, psychological concerns, and doctor visits). Results found conscientiousness and sense of purpose were moderately associated with multiple health, wellbeing, and health behavior indicators. Bifactor modeling was employed to test the incremental validity of conscientiousness and sense of purpose, when accounting for their shared variance. The specific factor for purpose predicted outcomes even when accounting for conscientiousness. However, conscientiousness had little incremental validity over the general factor.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1195-1209
Number of pages15
JournalJournal of Health Psychology
Volume29
Issue number11
Early online date2024
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2024

Keywords

  • Conscientiousness
  • Health behavior
  • Self-reported health
  • Sense of purpose
  • Well-being

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