From the Research
Conscientiousness is a crucial personality trait in medical settings, as it reliably predicts desirable life outcomes, including longevity and better health throughout the life span, and is associated with positive health behaviors and outcomes 1. The significance of conscientiousness in medical settings can be understood by its definition, which encompasses tendencies to be disciplined, goal-oriented, self-controlled, responsible to others, hardworking, orderly, and rule-following 2. Some key points about conscientiousness include:
- It is a core determinant of health, positive aging, and human capital 3
- It is associated with academic and career success, better health behaviors, longer lifespan, and more stable relationships 1
- It functions through enhanced self-regulation abilities, allowing conscientious individuals to delay gratification, persist through challenges, and maintain consistent effort toward long-term goals 4
- It can be developed and improved through psychological interventions, such as cognitive-behavioral, metacognitive, and cognitive remediation interventions 2
- It is linked to Personal Belief in a Just World (PBJW), which is the extent to which an individual believes that their efforts will be rewarded 1 In medical settings, promoting conscientiousness can lead to better patient outcomes, improved treatment adherence, and enhanced overall well-being, making it a valuable trait to foster and support 5.