Regional ambient temperature is associated with human personality

Wenqi Wei, Jackson G. Lu, Adam D. Galinsky, Han Wu, Samuel D. Gosling, Peter J. Rentfrow, Wenjie Yuan, Qi Zhang, Yongyu Guo, Ming Zhang, Wenjing Gui, Xiao-Yi Guo, Jeff Potter, Jian Wang, Bingtan Li, Xiaojie Li, Yang-Mei Han, Meizhen Lv, Xiang-Qing Guo, Yera Choe, Weipeng Lin, Kun Yu, Qiyu Bai, Zhe Shang, Ying Han and Lei Wang ()
Additional contact information
Wenqi Wei: Peking University
Jackson G. Lu: Columbia University
Adam D. Galinsky: Columbia University
Han Wu: Peking University
Samuel D. Gosling: University of Texas at Austin
Peter J. Rentfrow: University of Cambridge
Wenjie Yuan: Peking University
Qi Zhang: Liaoning Normal University
Yongyu Guo: Nanjing Normal University
Ming Zhang: Soochow University
Wenjing Gui: Peking University
Xiao-Yi Guo: Peking University
Jeff Potter: Atof Inc.
Jian Wang: Wisejoy.com
Bingtan Li: Peking University
Xiaojie Li: Peking University
Yang-Mei Han: Peking University
Meizhen Lv: Peking University
Xiang-Qing Guo: Peking University
Yera Choe: Peking University
Weipeng Lin: Nankai University
Kun Yu: Renmin University of China
Qiyu Bai: Peking University
Zhe Shang: Peking University
Ying Han: Peking University
Lei Wang: Peking University

Nature Human Behaviour, 2017, vol. 1, issue 12, 890-895

Abstract: Abstract Human personality traits differ across geographical regions 1–5 . However, it remains unclear what generates these geographical personality differences. Because humans constantly experience and react to ambient temperature, we propose that temperature is a crucial environmental factor that is associated with individuals’ habitual behavioural patterns and, therefore, with fundamental dimensions of personality. To test the relationship between ambient temperature and personality, we conducted two large-scale studies in two geographically large yet culturally distinct countries: China and the United States. Using data from 59 Chinese cities (N = 5,587), multilevel analyses and machine learning analyses revealed that compared with individuals who grew up in regions with less clement temperatures, individuals who grew up in regions with more clement temperatures (that is, closer to 22 °C) scored higher on personality factors related to socialization and stability (agreeableness, conscientiousness, and emotional stability) and personal growth and plasticity (extraversion and openness to experience). These relationships between temperature clemency and personality factors were replicated in a larger dataset of 12,499 ZIP-code level locations (the lowest geographical level feasible) in the United States (N = 1,660,638). Taken together, our findings provide a perspective on how and why personalities vary across geographical regions beyond past theories (subsistence style theory, selective migration theory and pathogen prevalence theory). As climate change continues across the world, we may also observe concomitant changes in human personality.

Date: 2017
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DOI: 10.1038/s41562-017-0240-0

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