3 Reasons for Regional Personality Differences! Move to Change

Regional differences in personality – do they really exist?

An American research team has published an interesting paper.

The title of the paper is “Statewide differences in personality: Toward a psychological geography of the United States“.

This paper revealed that there are differences in personality traits among residents depending on the American state.

For example, certain states have many extroverted people, while other states have many introverted people.

But why do such regional differences in personality arise?

Is it mere coincidence, or is there some reason behind it?

Also, what kind of impact do regional differences in personality have on our society?

Are they related to friendships, political attitudes, health conditions, and so on?

This time, I would like to explain the content of this paper in detail and think together about regional differences in personality.

Once again, personality researcher and author of Villain Encyclopedia, Tokiwa (@etokiwa999), will provide the explanation.
※We have developed the HEXACO-JP Personality Assessment! It has more scientific basis than MBTI. Tap below for details.

What are Regional Differences in Personality? Findings from American Research

Personality Differences Observed by American State

It has been found that there are differences in residents’ personality traits by state.
This fact was revealed through three studies conducted from 1973 to 2008.
Different personality tests and survey methods were used in each study, but the results were consistent.
In other words, regional differences in personality exist by state within the United States.
This discovery brought a new perspective to the field of personality psychology.
Traditionally, personality was often viewed as a matter of individual differences, but when viewed from the perspective of regional differences, a different aspect emerges.
The regional differences in personality revealed by American research have provided great insights to psychologists.
As research incorporating the perspective of regional differences progresses further in the future, new knowledge about personality formation factors and social influences may be gained.

「県民の性格診断」自分の性格が分からない人必見！論文解説

Geographic Patterns Seen in Neuroticism and Openness

Two personality traits, neuroticism and openness, show distinctive geographic patterns.
“Neuroticism” is a trait that represents vulnerability to stress and emotional instability.
States with high neuroticism are commonly found in the Northeast and Southeast regions.
On the other hand, states in the Midwest and West tend to have low neuroticism.

Openness is a trait that represents intellectual curiosity, creativity, and tolerance for new things.
States with high openness are commonly found in the following regions.

• New England
• Mid-Atlantic
• Pacific Coast

Conversely, in the Great Plains, Midwest, and Southeast states, openness is somewhat lower.
Such geographic patterns seen in neuroticism and openness are highly consistent and unlikely to be the result of coincidence.
Rather, wouldn’t these regional differences in personality traits be created by some factor?

Regional Differences in Extraversion, Agreeableness, and Conscientiousness

Certain regional differences are also observed in extraversion, agreeableness, and conscientiousness.
However, clear geographic patterns like those for neuroticism and openness have not been confirmed.
Extraversion is a trait that represents high sociability, assertiveness, and activity level.
Extraversion tends to be high in the Northeast and low in the West, but many exceptions are also observed.
Agreeableness is a trait that represents high compassion, altruism, and flexibility.
Generally, agreeableness is high in Southern states and low in the Northeast, but this is not absolute either.
Conscientiousness is a trait that represents diligence, orderliness, and strong sense of responsibility.
For conscientiousness, regional differences are smallest, and no consistent patterns have been identified.
While clear regional differences like those for neuroticism and openness have not been confirmed for these personality traits, non-negligible differences still exist.
Regional differences in extraversion, agreeableness, and conscientiousness may influence social behavior and interpersonal relationships.

ビッグファイブ(Big Five)診断とは？概要・遺伝・MBTIとの関連

Particularly Pronounced Regional Personality Differences in Southeast and Western States

Regional differences in personality are most prominently displayed in the Southeast and Western states.
In these regions, characteristics different from other regions are observed across multiple personality traits.
Southeast states tend to have the following personality characteristics.

• High neuroticism
• Low openness
• High agreeableness

On the other hand, in Western states, the following characteristics are observed.

• Low neuroticism
• High openness
• Low extraversion

The Southeast and West can be said to be contrasting regions not only geographically separated by great distances, but also in terms of history and culture.
Such differences in background may also be reflected in regional differences in personality.
However, not all states in the Southeast and West share the same characteristics.
This is merely an overall trend, and individual circumstances of each state must also be considered.

Three Reasons Why Regional Personality Differences Emerge

①Selective Migration: People with Specific Personalities Move to Specific Regions

One reason why regional personality differences emerge is selective migration.
In other words, regional differences arise when people with specific personality traits choose and move to areas that match their personalities.
For example, people high in openness tend to prefer diverse and stimulating environments.
Therefore, they might choose to migrate to urban areas or culturally rich regions that can satisfy their interests and desires.
Similarly, people high in neuroticism might choose peaceful rural areas in search of less stressful environments.
In this way, as people move seeking environments that match their personalities, people with specific personalities gather in specific regions.
As a result, regional personality differences emerge.
Selective migration is one of the leading hypotheses explaining regional personality differences, but it is not easy to prove empirically.
This is because people’s motivations for migration are diverse and involve factors other than personality.
However, since the psychological desire to seek compatibility between personality and environment certainly exists, selective migration is thought to have a certain influence on regional personality differences.

②Social Influence: The Culture and Customs of a Region Affect Personality

Another reason for regional personality differences is social influence.
This refers to how the culture, customs, and values rooted in a region influence people’s personality formation.
Research in cultural psychology shows that cultural values and behavioral patterns influence individual psychological characteristics.
For example, individualistic cultures emphasize independence and originality, while collectivistic cultures emphasize cooperation and humility.
Such cultural values are thought to be reflected in the personality traits of people living in those regions.
Additionally, regional customs and lifestyles also have a certain influence on personality formation.
The busy and stimulating life of cities might enhance extraversion and openness while also increasing neuroticism.
Conversely, the calm and monotonous life of rural areas might enhance emotional stability but decrease extraversion and openness.
In this way, regional personality differences are thought to emerge as the culture and customs of a region influence people’s personalities.
However, the relationship between culture and personality is not unidirectional, and it is reasonable to think that they influence each other mutually.
That is, while a region’s culture shapes people’s personalities, people’s personality traits also shape that region’s culture.

③Ecological Influence: Environmental Factors Like Climate Affect Personality

The third reason that creates regional personality differences is ecological influence.
This refers to how the natural environment of a region, such as climate, topography, and resource abundance, influences people’s personalities.
For example, warm and comfortable climates might relax people and enhance agreeableness and extraversion.
Conversely, harsh and variable climates might stimulate people and enhance openness and neuroticism.
Additionally, in regions blessed with abundant natural resources, people are thought to become more tolerant and optimistic.
On the other hand, in regions where resources are scarce and life is harsh, people might develop more diligent and prudent personalities.
In this way, regional personality differences emerge as environmental factors such as climate, topography, and resource abundance influence people’s personality traits.
However, ecological influences are complexly intertwined with cultural and genetic influences.
It is difficult to purely extract the influence that environment has on personality, and careful consideration is necessary.
Moreover, in modern society, technological development has mitigated environmental influences to some extent.
Therefore, while ecological influence is one factor explaining regional personality differences, it cannot be said to be a decisive factor.

「日本人の性格診断」自分の性格が分からない人必見！

Example from America’s Pioneer Era: Frontier Spirit and Independence

The example of America’s pioneer era is highly suggestive when considering the mechanisms by which regional personality differences emerge.
It is said that people with distinctive personalities gathered in the undeveloped western territories.
They were people who sought freedom and independence, were adventurous, and had strong independence.
Such personalities gathered because these personality traits were useful for confronting harsh natural environments and carving out new lives.
It is also said that pioneers cultivated a spirit of mutual assistance to survive in harsh environments.
In this way, regional personality differences may have emerged as people with certain personalities gathered together, personality traits necessary for adapting to the land’s environment were strengthened, and these were passed down through generations.

The example of America’s pioneer era suggests that the three factors of selective migration, social influence, and ecological influence are complexly intertwined in the mechanism by which regional personality differences emerge.

Regional personality differences may emerge as people with certain personalities move to specific regions (selective migration), personality traits necessary for adapting to that region’s environment are strengthened (ecological influence), and this becomes established as culture (social influence).

経済指標や文化指標が個人の性格にどんな影響を与えるのか？

Multiple Factors Intertwine to Create Regional Personality Differences

When considering the mechanisms by which regional personality differences emerge, it is necessary to keep in mind that multiple factors are intertwined.
The three factors of selective migration, social influence, and ecological influence each have the power to create regional personality differences independently, but in reality, these factors are thought to be complexly intertwined.

For example, when people with certain personalities move to specific regions, that region’s culture might change and influence the personality formation of new generations.
Also, a region’s environment might shape people’s personality traits, and as these personality traits become established as culture, they might also influence the personalities of people attracted to that region.

In this way, the mechanism by which regional personality differences emerge can be said to be the result of multiple factors complexly intertwining.

Therefore, to understand regional personality differences, it is necessary to comprehensively consider multiple factors and carefully determine the influence of each factor.

Elucidating the mechanisms by which regional personality differences emerge is one of the important challenges for personality psychology.
With the understanding that multiple factors such as selective migration, social influence, and ecological influence are intertwined, careful research accumulation is required.

The Impact of Regional Personality Differences on Society

Social Capital: Human Connections and the Spirit of Mutual Assistance

Regional differences in personality are thought to also influence social capital.
Social capital refers to connections between people, the spirit of mutual assistance, and relationships where people can trust each other.
It consists of various elements such as the strength of bonds with family and friends, participation in community activities, and trust in others.
In the United States, it is known that there are differences in the level of social capital from state to state.

For example, social capital is low in southeastern and mid-Atlantic states, while it is high in midwestern and mountain states.

Such regional differences are thought to also affect crime rates, health conditions, and sense of well-being. Research examining the relationship between regional personality differences and social capital has yielded the following results.

• States with higher extraversion and agreeableness tend to have higher social capital
• States with higher neuroticism tend to have lower social capital
• Openness and conscientiousness have weak associations with social capital

These results suggest that regional personality differences have a certain influence on social capital.

ボランティア募集に参加する人の性格とは？科学的に解説

Personality Characteristics of Residents in States with High Social Capital

Residents of states with high social capital show characteristic personality tendencies. They generally appear to be extroverted, agreeable, and emotionally stable. Let’s look more specifically. Residents of states with high social capital tend to have the following personality characteristics.

• Sociable and expressive
• Active and adventurous
• High trust in others
• Tolerant and accepting
• Relaxed and optimistic

These characteristics would promote active communication between people and make it easier to build cooperative relationships.

Also, high stress tolerance may enable flexible responses to difficult situations. High extraversion and agreeableness do not necessarily directly lead to high social capital.

Rather, it’s possible that the culture and customs unique to regions with high social capital foster extraversion and agreeableness.

In any case, residents of states with high social capital seem to have personality tendencies that value connections with others and possess a spirit of mutual assistance.

Such personality tendencies may play an important role in strengthening community cohesion and enhancing residents’ sense of well-being.

Personality Characteristics of Residents in States with Low Social Capital

Residents of states with low social capital show characteristic personality tendencies. They generally appear to be introverted, individualistic, and emotionally unstable.

Let’s examine this in more detail. Residents of states with low social capital tend to have the following personality characteristics.

• Tend to avoid socializing
• Strong self-assertion, prioritizing their own interests
• Prone to distrust others
• Strong resistance to new things
• Easily stressed and tend to be pessimistic

These characteristics may hinder communication between people and make it difficult to build cooperative relationships.

Also, low stress tolerance may prevent appropriate responses when facing difficult situations.

High introversion and neuroticism probably don’t directly lead to low social capital.

Rather, it’s possible that the culture and customs unique to regions with low social capital promote introversion and neuroticism.

In any case, residents of states with low social capital seem to have personality tendencies that disregard connections with others and prioritize individual interests.

Such personality tendencies may be a contributing factor in weakening community cohesion and increasing residents’ sense of isolation.

自尊感情・自己肯定感が低い日本人、その理由とは？論文解説

Political Orientation: Different State Resident Personalities Between Conservatives and Progressives

Research exploring the relationship between political orientation and personality has yielded interesting results.

There appear to be differences in personality traits between conservative and progressive supporters. Specifically, the following tendencies are observed. Conservative supporters generally have the following personality characteristics.

• High conscientiousness
• Value order and tradition
• Dislike ambiguity
• Cognitively rigid

On the other hand, progressive supporters generally have the following personality characteristics.

• High openness
• Prefer change and diversity
• Tolerant of ambiguity
• Cognitively flexible

These personality traits are thought to also influence political attitudes and behaviors.

For example, conservative supporters tend to value stability and order, while liberal supporters tend to seek change and reform.

However, these tendencies are merely average trends, and individual differences are considered to be significant.

Additionally, the relationship between personality and political orientation is not unidirectional, but may be mutually influential.

In other words, having a specific political orientation may strengthen personality traits that align with that orientation.

Clarifying the relationship between political orientation and personality may be important for understanding the background of political polarization in democratic societies.

If personality differences are creating political conflicts, then recognizing and accepting the diversity of personalities would be essential for bridging those divides.

価値観と性格の違いとは？性格タイプごとの価値観を解説

The Relationship Between Voting Behavior and Voter Personality in the 2008 Presidential Election

In the 2008 U.S. presidential election, the relationship between voter personality and voting behavior drew attention. When examining the vote shares of Democratic candidate Obama and Republican candidate McCain by state, interesting relationships with voter personality traits were observed. Specifically, the following results were obtained.

• States with higher openness tended to have higher vote shares for Obama
• States with higher conscientiousness tended to have higher vote shares for McCain
• Extraversion, agreeableness, and neuroticism showed weak correlations with vote shares

These results suggest that voter personality has some influence on voting behavior.

Voters with high openness have a strong tendency to seek change, so they may have been more likely to support Obama, who advocated for reform.

On the other hand, voters with high conscientiousness have a strong tendency to value traditional values, so they may have been more likely to support the conservative McCain.

However, various factors other than voter personality, such as age, race, education level, and economic situation, are also thought to influence voting behavior.

To determine the extent of personality’s influence, careful analysis that considers the impact of other factors would be necessary.

Clarifying the relationship between voter personality and voting behavior provides important insights for understanding the process of political decision-making.

In democratic societies, political discussions that take into account the diversity of voter personalities may be required.

Health Indicators: The Relationship Between Average Life Expectancy and State Residents’ Personality

Research examining the relationship between state residents’ personality and health indicators has yielded interesting results. The relationship between average life expectancy and personality has particularly drawn attention. From previous research, the following trends have become apparent.

• States with higher agreeableness tend to have longer average life expectancy
• States with higher neuroticism tend to have shorter average life expectancy
• The relationships between extraversion, openness, conscientiousness and average life expectancy are not particularly strong

These results suggest that personality has some influence on health. People with high agreeableness are thought to receive social support more easily and have higher stress tolerance.

Therefore, states with high agreeableness may tend to have residents with better health conditions and longer average life expectancy.

On the other hand, people with high neuroticism are thought to be more susceptible to stress and more likely to have unhealthy lifestyle habits.

Therefore, states with high neuroticism may tend to have residents with poor health conditions and shorter average life expectancy.

健康的な人の性格とは？気持ち・行動・身体を科学的に解説

The Relationship Between Death Rates from Cancer and Heart Disease and Neuroticism

Research examining the relationship between neuroticism and death rates from specific diseases has yielded shocking results.

According to research focusing on death rates from cancer and heart disease, it has become clear that there is a strong positive correlation with neuroticism. Specifically, the following results have been reported.

• States with higher neuroticism have higher death rates from cancer
• States with higher neuroticism have higher death rates from heart disease
• These relationships remain significant even when considering demographic factors

These results suggest that neuroticism may increase the risk of cancer and heart disease.

People with high neuroticism are thought to be more susceptible to stress and more prone to anxiety and depression.

Chronic stress may weaken immune function and increase the risk of cancer development.

Additionally, stress may increase the risk of heart disease by raising blood pressure and promoting atherosclerosis.

Considerations When Researching Regional Differences in Personality

Ecological Fallacy: Don’t Confuse Groups with Individuals

When studying regional differences in personality, it’s necessary to be careful of the ecological fallacy.

The ecological fallacy refers to the error of generalizing group-level associations to the individual level. For example, suppose you found an association between average personality traits and crime rates in a certain state.

However, it would not be appropriate to conclude from this that “all residents of that state are potential criminals.”

Group-level associations merely represent tendencies of the group as a whole.

This is because individual personality and behavior do not necessarily match group tendencies. To avoid the ecological fallacy, it’s necessary to keep the following points in mind.

• Distinguish between group-level associations and individual-level associations
• Don’t carelessly infer individual personality or behavior from group-level associations
• Consider diversity within groups and individual differences
• Whenever possible, collect and analyze multilevel data

The last point is particularly important. By collecting both group-level and individual-level data and conducting multilevel analysis, we can properly understand the relationship between groups and individuals.

For example, by measuring both state-level personality traits and individual-level criminal behavior and conducting multilevel analysis, we could more accurately grasp the relationship between personality and crime.

The ecological fallacy is a point to be careful of not only in research on regional personality differences, but in various fields of psychology.

It’s required that we not carelessly equate groups with individuals, and interpret data carefully.

Individualistic Fallacy: Consider Individual Differences

When studying regional differences in personality, it’s also necessary to be careful of the individualistic fallacy.

The individualistic fallacy refers to the error of generalizing individual-level associations to the group level. For example, suppose an association between extroversion and happiness was found at the individual level.

However, it would not be appropriate to conclude from this that “extroverted states are happy states.” Individual-level associations merely represent tendencies within individuals.

This is because at the group level, various factors other than extroversion may be influencing happiness.

To avoid the individualistic fallacy, it’s necessary to keep the following points in mind.

• Distinguish between individual-level associations and group-level associations
• Don’t carelessly infer group characteristics from individual-level associations
• Consider diversity within groups and individual differences
• Whenever possible, collect and analyze multilevel data

Consideration of individual differences is particularly important. Even when belonging to the same group, personality traits differ greatly among individuals.

In group-level analysis, such individual differences become averaged out, making it difficult to see the diversity within groups.

To properly consider individual differences, it would be effective to focus on the distribution of personality traits within groups.

Influence of Confounding Variables: Pay Attention to Factors Behind Apparent Associations

When examining associations between regional personality differences and social indicators, it’s necessary to pay attention to the influence of confounding variables.

Confounding variables refer to third factors behind apparent associations. For example, suppose a positive correlation was found between neuroticism and crime rates in a certain state.

But what if both neuroticism and crime rates were actually strongly related to poverty rates? In that case, the association between neuroticism and crime rates might be an apparent association due to poverty rates.

It can be said that interpreting the association between neuroticism and crime rates without removing the influence of confounding variables is dangerous.

To properly consider the influence of confounding variables, it’s necessary to keep the following points in mind.

• Identify confounding variables that seem theoretically relevant
• Collect data on confounding variables
• Statistically adjust for the influence of confounding variables
• After considering the influence of confounding variables, carefully interpret results

Socioeconomic variables, in particular, may be important confounding variables. For example, various socioeconomic factors such as education level, income, and racial composition may be related to both regional personality differences and social indicators.

By considering these variables, we can understand the associations between regional personality differences and social indicators more accurately.

Data Interpretation Requires Caution and Multiple Perspectives

When studying regional differences in personality, caution and multiple perspectives are required in data interpretation.

As mentioned above, this is because various errors and biases may occur, such as the ecological fallacy, individualistic fallacy, and influence of confounding variables.

It can be said that it’s important to make balanced interpretations while understanding the limitations of data. Specifically, keeping the following points in mind would be effective.

• Be cautious about generalizing results
• Carefully judge the presence and direction of causal relationships
• Compare with different research results and theoretical knowledge
• Consider social and cultural contexts
• Carefully examine the practical implications of results

In particular, consideration of social and cultural contexts is important. Regional differences in personality may be closely related to the history, culture, and social systems of that region.

By taking these contexts into account, we can gain a deeper understanding of what regional differences in personality mean.

Furthermore, the results of research on regional differences in personality may have practical implications. For example, policy formulation and health measures that consider regional personality characteristics could be considered.

However, caution is required when deriving such practical implications. We must not forget that regional differences in personality are merely average tendencies, and individual differences are significant.

It can be said that flexible approaches that consider individual diversity, rather than uniform responses, are essential.

New Perspectives That Regional Differences in Personality Bring to Psychology

Reconsidering the Relationship Between Racial Prejudice and Personality from Regional Differences

Research on regional differences in personality holds the potential to reconsider the relationship between racial prejudice and personality from a new perspective.

Conventional research has primarily examined the relationship between individual personality traits and racial prejudice.

For example, it has been shown that people with high openness have low racial prejudice.

However, such individual-level relationships alone may not sufficiently explain regional differences in racial prejudice.

This is because various factors such as the region’s history, culture, and population composition are thought to influence racial prejudice.

Research on regional differences in personality provides clues to clarify the interaction between such contextual factors and individual personality traits. For example, the following hypotheses could be considered:

• In regions with high racial diversity, high openness more easily leads to low racial prejudice
• In racially homogeneous regions, the relationship between high openness and racial prejudice weakens
• High regional racial prejudice suppresses the effect of individual openness

By testing such hypotheses, we may be able to gain a deeper understanding of the formation mechanisms of racial prejudice.

By focusing on the interaction between individual personality traits and regional contextual factors, there may be potential to formulate more effective prejudice reduction strategies.

The Influence of Regional Personality on Political Attitude Formation

Research on regional differences in personality may shed new light on the formation mechanisms of political attitudes.

Conventional research has primarily examined the relationship between individual personality traits and political attitudes.

For example, it has been shown that people with high openness tend to have progressive political attitudes, while people with high conscientiousness tend to have conservative attitudes.

However, such individual-level relationships alone may not sufficiently explain regional differences in political attitudes.

This is because various factors such as the region’s economic situation, educational level, and media environment are thought to influence political attitudes.

Research on regional differences in personality provides clues to clarify the interaction between such contextual factors and individual personality traits. For example, the following hypotheses could be considered:

• In economically privileged regions, high openness more easily leads to progressive attitudes
• In regions with low educational levels, high conscientiousness more easily leads to conservative attitudes
• The regional political climate amplifies or suppresses the effects of individual personality traits

By testing such hypotheses, we may be able to gain a deeper understanding of the formation mechanisms of political attitudes.

By focusing on the interaction between individual personality traits and regional contextual factors, more effective political communication and policy formulation may become possible.

Regional Personality as a Factor Promoting Prosocial Behavior

Research on regional differences in personality holds the potential to view factors promoting prosocial behavior from a new perspective.

Prosocial behavior refers to acting for the benefit of others or society.

For example, this includes volunteer activities, donation behavior, and environmental protection activities.

Conventional research has primarily examined the relationship between individual personality traits and prosocial behavior.

However, such individual-level relationships alone may not sufficiently explain regional differences in prosocial behavior.

This is because various factors such as the region’s social norms, cultural values, and institutional support are thought to influence prosocial behavior.

Research on regional differences in personality provides clues to clarify the interaction between such contextual factors and individual personality traits. For example, the following hypotheses could be considered:

• In regions where prosocial behavior is normatively valued, high agreeableness more strongly leads to prosocial behavior
• In regions with adequate institutional support for prosocial behavior, the influence of individual differences in agreeableness becomes smaller
• The regional prosocial climate amplifies the effect of individual agreeableness

By testing such hypotheses, we may be able to gain a deeper understanding of the mechanisms that promote prosocial behavior.

EQ（心の知能指数）を高める方法とは？効果など論文解説

Understanding Psychological Problems Such as Stress from a Regional Differences Perspective

Research on regional differences in personality holds the potential to understand psychological problems such as stress from a new perspective.

Previous research has primarily examined the relationship between individual personality traits and stress responses. For example, it has been shown that people with high neuroticism tend to feel stress more easily and are more likely to experience physical and mental health problems due to stress.

However, such individual-level relationships alone may not be sufficient to explain regional differences in stress.

This is because various factors such as the living environment, socioeconomic conditions, and cultural norms of a region are thought to influence the experience of stress.

Research on regional differences in personality provides clues to understanding the interaction between such contextual factors and individual personality traits. For example, the following hypotheses could be considered:

• In areas with poor security, high neuroticism leads more strongly to stress responses
• In economically affluent areas, the influence of individual differences in neuroticism becomes smaller
• Stressful regional environments amplify the effects of individual neuroticism

By testing such hypotheses, we may be able to gain a deeper understanding of the mechanisms that influence the experience of stress.

心理療法で性格を変える！認知行動療法など論文で解説

Exploring Regional Differences in Personality by Combining Various Research Methods

To explore regional differences in personality, it is considered effective to combine various research methods.

By using different methods such as questionnaire surveys, interview surveys, and experimental research, it becomes possible to achieve a multifaceted understanding of regional differences in personality.

Moreover, by integrating findings obtained through different methods, it may be possible to draw more robust and convincing conclusions. Specifically, the following combinations of research methods could be considered:

• Combining large-scale questionnaire surveys with detailed interview surveys
• Combining laboratory experiments with observational studies in real-world settings
• Combining cross-sectional and longitudinal surveys
• Combining individual-level data with group-level data

Interview surveys allow us to explore individual experiences and interpretations that cannot be captured through questionnaires. Additionally, confirming findings obtained from laboratory experiments through observational studies in real-world settings may also be effective.

While laboratory settings allow for examining causal relationships under controlled conditions, real-world settings enable observation of behavior in more natural contexts.

Furthermore, by combining cross-sectional and longitudinal surveys, it becomes possible to clarify temporal changes and developmental aspects of regional differences in personality.

By combining individual-level and group-level data, it also becomes possible to understand regional differences in personality from a multilevel perspective.

Conclusion

Regional differences in personality are closely related to our society.

Research from America has suggested that regional differences in personality may influence friendships, political attitudes, health status, and other aspects of life.

Moreover, regional differences in personality are thought to arise from a complex interplay of the culture, history, economic conditions, and other factors of a particular area.

In other words, regional differences in personality are not mere coincidences but are related to various factors.

Regional differences in personality remain a research topic with many mysteries, but it can be said to be an important issue closely related to our lives.

※This article is written with reference to papers published in the following book.