We tend to think of personality as something influenced largely by genetics and upbringing, but one survey conducted by the personality and career assessment website Truity suggest that where you live might also play a role. The conducted a poll of 12,000 people from all 50 states in the U.S. as well as Washington, D.C. in order to see how people from each state differed on various personality traits. The participants in the survey were given the website’s version of a Big Five personality assessment. The results were then analyzed to look for homogenous groups in each of the 50 states.
The big five personality dimensions are broad dimensions that make up each individual’s personality. These five dimensions are extroversion, agreeableness, conscientiousness, neuroticism, and openness.
So how did the states differ in terms of personality characteristics?
Table of Contents
The Most Extroverted and Introverted States
According to the survey, the following states ranked at opposite ends of the extroversion / introversion scale. Extroverted individuals are those who enjoy talking and meeting new people. Extroverts gain energy from socializing. Introverts, on the other, are more reserved. Introverts have to expend energy when socializing, but feel recharged by spending quiet time alone.
According to the survey-
The most extroverted states were:
- Nevada
- Montana
- Arkansas
- Wyoming
- Wisconsin
The most introverted states were:
- Vermont
- Kentucky
- South Dakota
- Idaho
- West Virginia
The Most Agreeable and Competitive States
According to the big 5 theory of personality, agreeableness involves a range of behaviors that focus on cooperation and social harmony. People high in this area are often described as considerate, cooperative, and kind. Those low in this dimension are seen and more competitive, more socially manipulative, and more skeptical of others.
According to the survey –
The most cooperative states were:
- Montana
- North Dakota
- Mississippi
- Oregon
- South Carolina
The most competitive states were:
- Illinois
- Delaware
- New Hampshire
- Kansas
- Colorado
The Most Neurotic and Resilient States
Neuroticism is a broad personality dimension characterized by emotional instability, moodiness, anxiety, and sadness. People who are high in this dimension tend to experience more negative emotions, are more vulnerable to stress, and are more pessimistic about life. Those who are low in neuroticism, on the other hand, are more optimistic, tend to be very emotionally stable, and are more resilient in the face of stress.
According to the survey –
The most neurotic states were:
- South Dakota
- Delaware
- Kentucky
- Vermont
- Illinois
The most resilient states were:
- Montana
- Alabama
- Arkansas
- New Hampshire
- Idaho
The Most Focused and Flexible States
Conscientiousness is characterized by care, vigilance, and thoughtfulness. Conscientious thinkers are focused on doing things well and they tend to be very organized and efficient. They plan carefully and can sometimes be seen as rigid or perfectionistic. Those who are low in this trait, on the other hand, are sometimes seen as scattered, undependable, relaxed, and easy-going.
The most focused states were:
- South Dakota
- Wyoming
- New Mexico
- Minnesota
- Montana
The most flexible states were:
- Illinois
- Vermont
- West Virginia
- New Hampshire
- Kentucky
The Most Abstract and Concrete States
Openness to experience is a personality dimension characterized by an appreciation for adventure, variety, diversity, creativity, abstract thinking, and adventure. People high in this areas enjoy experiencing new things, are open to experiencing emotions, and are very curious about the world around them. Those who are low in this dimension tend to be more close-minded, traditional, and concrete thinkers.
According to the survey –
States with the most abstract thinkers were:
- Rhode Island
- Delaware
- Vermont
- Washington, D.C.
- Maryland
States with the most concrete thinkers were:
- Illinois
- North Dakota
- Indiana
- South Dakota
- Colorado
