JOIN USGorillas with an outgoing personality live longer - just like humans - than their introvert peers, a new study has found.
An international team of researchers looked at the role of personality by studying 298 gorillas in North American zoos and sanctuaries for over 18 years. The gorillas’ personalities were assessed by keepers, volunteers, researchers and caretakers who knew the gorillas well. Their personality was scored with measures adapted from techniques for studying people and other primates.
“These findings highlight how understanding the natural history of personality is vital to insuring the continued health and well-being of humans, gorillas and other great apes,” Dr Alex Weiss from School of Philosophy, Psychology and Language Sciences.
Researchers found that out of four personality traits - dominance, extroversion, neuroticism and agreeableness - extroversion, which was associated with behaviours such as sociability, activity, play and curiosity, was linked with longer survival, the University Of Edinburgh statement said.
The study found that the link between extroversion and survival was not affected by age or gender, rearing condition or how many times the gorilla had moved location. Researchers say these findings are consistent with studies in people which found that extravert’s tend to live longer. The study, carried out on western lowland gorillas is important in understanding how the relationship between personality and longevity of life evolved.
The study was published in the Royal Society journal Proceedings.