Statewide differences in personality: toward a psychological geography of the United States.
There is overwhelming evidence from research in the regional sciences that the attitudes, values, and behaviors of Americans are geographically clustered. Psychologists, however, have historically had little to say about regional differences. This article aims to redress that neglect. In so doing, I provide evidence that there are statewide personality differences across the United States, offer potential explanations for those differences, and show that regional personality differences are linked to a variety of important social indicators. I also explain how a regional perspective can inform research in a variety of areas in psychology and suggest ways in which researchers can study regional differences in their own work. Ultimately, this work is intended to raise awareness in psychology about the value that a regional perspective can add to theory and research.
Rentfrow
Peter Jason
PJ
Department of Social and Developmental Psychology, Faculty of Politics, Psychology, and Sociology, University of Cambridge, Free School Lane, Cambridge, United Kingdom. pjr39@cam.ac.uk
D001294:Attitude to Health; D003468:Cultural Evolution; D003469:Culture; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D010551:Personality; D011057:Politics; D012931:Social Environment; D014481:United States