Masculinity, femininity, the Big Five and their relationship to health behaviors among older Jewish women from the former Soviet Union

This study investigated links between personality traits and health behaviors. One hundred and eighteen older Jewish immigrant women (55 years old and above) from the former Soviet Union were assessed on the Big Five personality traits (i.e., Neuroticism, Extraversion, Openness, Agreeableness, and Conscientiousness), masculine instrumentality, and feminine expressiveness. Participants also completed a self-report inventory of health behaviors, which included measures of life stressors, nutrition and dietary habits, physical activity, alcohol and cigarette use, and social support. The goal of the study was to assess a sample of older Jewish women on health behaviors and on selected personality traits---the Big Five, masculine instrumentality (PAQ M), feminine expressiveness (PAQ F)---and to examine possible links between personality measures and health behaviors. Correlational analyses showed a number of significant relationships between personality measures and health behaviors. Furthermore, different personality traits revealed different patterns of association with various health measures. Regression analyses revealed that PAQ M, PAQ F, and Big Five traits (i.e., Neuroticism, Extraversion, and Openness) were significant predictors of life stressors, nutrition and dietary habits, and alcohol and cigarette use. Culturally-focused clinical and psychoeducational interventions were proposed to promote health and psychological well-being of older Jewish immigrant women from the former Soviet Union.