Self-perceived level of competitiveness, tension, and dependency and lifestyles in the ‘Seguimiento Universidad de Navarra’ cohort study

In this 2018 study, the 15,346 Spanish adult participants of the Seguimiento Universidad de Navarra cohort were utilized to investigate the correlations between the levels of self-perceived competitiveness, psychological tension, and dependency with lifestyle among university graduates. A questionnaire was administered at baseline to evaluate the subjects’ level of personality traits, food consumption, nutrient intake, eating attitudes, physical activity, sedentary lifestyle, and alcohol and tobacco consumption. Greater levels of perceived competitiveness was related with healthier eating attitudes, higher physical activity, lower risk of smoking, and increased consumption of fish, vegetables and proteins, but less intake of refined grains. Spanish adults with high levels of tension or dependency were less physically active, while those more dependent also did not adhere well to the Mediterranean diet. Thus, personality traits such as competitiveness are likely to be associated with healthier dietary patterns, better nutrient profile, better eating attitudes, physical activity, and less exposure to smoking. By questioning adults on self-perceived levels of competitiveness, psychological tension, and dependency, surveyors can obtain more telling information on their lifestyles and diets. [NPID: personality, Spain, self-perceived competitiveness, competitiveness, tension, psychological tension, eating attitude, sedentary lifestyle, Med diet, Mediterranean, smoking]

Year: 2018

Reference: Unzueta, C. R., Lahortiga-Ramos, F., Santiago, S., Zazpe, I., Molero, P., Sánchez-Villegas, A., & Martínez-González, M. A. (2018). Self-perceived level of competitiveness, tension, and dependency and lifestyles in the 'Seguimiento Universidad de Navarra' cohort study. Public health, 157, 32–42. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.puhe.2017.12.021