The Five-Factor Model Approach to Hypertensive Patients: A Case Control Study

Objectives: The aim of this case-control pilot study was to examine whether there are differences in personality characteristics between hypertensive and normotensive individuals in terms of the Five-Factor Model (FFM). Methods: 71 individuals with primary hypertension were compared with 84 normotensive individuals on the DECAS personality inventory, assessing the five basic dimensions of personality according to the FFM. Results: Agreeableness and emotional stability were associated with hypertension (p-0,0001 for both). Hypertensive individuals showed low and very low agreeableness and emotional stability whereas normotensives scored medium and high in these two dimensions. Lower emotional stability was a risk factor for hypertension (OR=4.51, CI 95%=2.18-9.35). There were no significant differences in openness, extraversion and consciousness between hypertensives and normotensives (p>0.05). Conclusion: Individuals with low emotional stability/high neuroticism have more than fourfold increased risk of developing hypertension.