The Role of Personality in Disease

Considerable research into the cause of cancer and heart disease has recognized the role of various health risk factors such as diet and tobacco use. In contrast, the role of personality or individual differences remains a contentious issue, despite the proliferation of theories put forth. This book will examine a new Integrative Theory of Personality-Disease which draws on and integrates several personality models, including that of Grossarth-Maticek and Eysenck. All facets of human influence are incorporated into the model, including genetic and environmental factors, stress and coping behaviour, for which personality is proposed to hold a pivotal role. Three samples of individuals were analyzed to establish (i) a valid personality inventory that predicts disease versus longevity, (ii) an effective intervention pamphlet that alters stress and coping mechanisms implicated in disease inception, and (iii) a refined theoretical model using structural equation path modeling. These findings would be especially useful for health professionals, or individuals alike, who may be interested in understanding the complexity of integrative mechanisms in general wellbeing.