Geographical Personality Differences

Consider geographical personality differences across various constructs, countries, and spatial levels.
- Explore how personality traits may vary between different regions and cultures.
Learn about the causes of geographical personality differences.
- Investigate underlying factors contributing to personality differences based on geography.
Discuss the societal and individual consequences of geographical personality differences.
- Understand the impact of regional personality traits on societal dynamics and individual experiences.
Find out where in a country you would best fit in – based on your personality.
- Self-assessment and exploration of geographical compatibility with personal traits.

Geographic regions can reflect personality traits that correspond to cultural, environmental, and social factors.
Example: Canadian provinces exhibit unique personality traits which may lead to stereotypes.

Colloquial Personality Descriptions:
- British Columbia: Characterized as having a relaxed lifestyle with an abundance of "hippies", dope-smokers, yoga enthusiasts.
- Alberta: Generally perceived as conservative, with many oilmen and ranchers, reflecting a more Texan identity.
- Saskatchewan: Regarded as rural and less stimulating with flat landscapes and extensive farmland.
- Manitoba: Known for harsh winters, mosquitoes in summer, and a reputation for crime in Winnipeg.
- Ontario: Home to major cities, including Toronto and Ottawa, known for its residents who strongly identify with the province.
- Quebec: Stereotypes are prevalent about the French-speaking population and separatist sentiments.
- Maritimes (New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia): Characters of hard-drinking culture and unemployment.
- Newfoundland and Labrador: Often humorously regarded as inhabited by locals with distinctive accents and customs (e.g., kissing cod).
- Territories (Yukon, Northwest Territories, Nunavut): Stereotypical representations of wilderness lifestyles are fading, reflecting changing societal structures.

Big Five Personality Traits Analysis Across States:
- Extraversion, Agreeableness, Openness, Conscientiousness, Emotional Stability.
- Findings based on N = 3,387,303 respondents across varied cities, identifying patterns of these traits.
- Emotional Stability Z-Scores:
  - Classification ranges from high (e.g., z-score > 1.96) to low (e.g., z-score < -1.96).

Selective Migration:
- Extraverted individuals are more likely to migrate towards urban and metropolitan areas, creating personality clusters.
- Studies referenced: Jokela (2020), Jokela et al. (2008), Yoshino & Oshio (2022).
Sociocultural Influence:
- Inhabitants of former frontier regions exhibit traits such as independence and resilience.
- Studies referenced: Götz et al. (2020), Kitayama et al. (2006, 2010).
Ecological Influence:
- Climate conditions affect personality traits; individuals in warmer climates tend to exhibit extraversion and openness.
- Studies referenced: Wei et al. (2017).
- Urban areas correlate with openness due to density and cultural exposure.
- Studies referenced: Atherton et al. (2023), Militaru et al. (2024).

Political:
- Regions with higher openness tend to support liberal policies (Garretsen et al., 2018).
- Conservative support correlated with more conscientious regions (Rentfrow, 2010).
- Regions with higher neuroticism show support for figures like Trump and Brexit (Talaifar et al., 2022; Obschonka et al., 2018).
Economic:
- Open regions demonstrate greater economic resilience, innovation, and often possess higher median incomes (Garretsen et al., 2020; Rentfrow et al., 2015).
- Courageous regions experience higher rates of entrepreneurial ventures, both setting up and failing (Ebert et al., 2019).
- More agreeable areas may encounter financial hardships (Matz & Gladstone, 2020).
Social:
- Agreeable regions exhibit greater social capital and reduced crime rates.
- Greater extraversion is associated with higher crime rates (Rentfrow, 2010).
- Neurotic regions are linked to lesser life satisfaction and social capital (McCann, 2017, 2018).
Health:
- Neurotic regions report higher prevalence of chronic conditions yet lower Covid-19 case numbers (McCann, 2011, 2014).
- Conscientious populations enjoy lower health mortality rates (Rentfrow et al., 2015).
- Open regions experienced rapid behavioral adaptations during Covid-19.

Impact of Regional Personality:
- Affects personal emotions, behaviors, and cognitive functions beyond individual personality traits.
- Example study findings include:
  - Well-being: Integrating regional personality significantly predicts emotional satisfaction (Stavrova, 2015).
  - Spending Behavior: Correlation between individual spending and regional norms (Ebert et al., 2021).

Hypothesis:
- A person’s adaptation and flourishing are optimized within an environment that aligns with their personality traits (Fulmer et al., 2010).
Empirical Support:
- Higher alignment (congruence) with regional personality improves subjective well-being, self-esteem, and relationship satisfaction (Bleidorn et al., 2016).
- Lower congruence results in relationship difficulties (Chopik & Motyl, 2016).

Interactive Exercise:
- Participants are encouraged to explore where they might be happiest based on their personality traits through an online test from BBC featuring postal code input (SW1A 2AB).
Suggested follow-up: Research locations and reflect on their fit with personal traits.