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Neuroticism mediates the relationship between industrial history and modern‐day regional obesity levels
Author(s) -
Daly Michael,
Obschonka Martin,
Stuetzer Michael,
Sutin Angelina R.,
ShawTaylor Leigh,
Satchell Max,
Robinson Eric
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
journal of personality
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.082
H-Index - 144
eISSN - 1467-6494
pISSN - 0022-3506
DOI - 10.1111/jopy.12581
Subject(s) - neuroticism , obesity , unemployment , scale (ratio) , big five personality traits , dominance (genetics) , personality , industrial revolution , economic geography , demographic economics , demography , geography , psychology , medicine , economic growth , economics , sociology , social psychology , cartography , chemistry , biochemistry , archaeology , gene
Objective The historical factors and contemporary mechanisms underlying geographical inequalities in obesity levels remain uncertain. In this study, we examine whether modern regional variation in obesity is partly a result of the impact of large‐scale industry on the personality traits of those living in regions once at the center of the Industrial Revolution. Method Exposure to the effects of the Industrial Revolution was assessed using unique historical data from English/Welsh counties ( N = 111). Specifically, we examined the relationship between the regional employment share in large‐scale coal‐based industries in 1813–1820 and contemporary regional obesity levels (2013–2015). The Big Five personality traits and regional unemployment levels were examined as potential mediators of this association. Results The historical regional employment share in large‐scale industries positively predicted the modern‐day regional prevalence of obesity. Mediation analysis showed that areas exposed to the decline of large‐scale industries experienced elevated Neuroticism and unemployment levels that explained almost half of the association between the historical dominance of large‐scale industry and modern‐day obesity levels. Conclusions Our results provide initial evidence that raised regional Neuroticism levels may play a key role in explaining why exposure to the rapid growth and subsequent decline of large‐scale industries forecasts modern‐day obesity levels.