The integrative model of personality and the role of personality in a Planetary Health context

Abstract

The aims of this paper are: (1) to review and reflect upon emerging trends within integrative personality models; and (2) to propose a broad personality model that recognizes the importance and interdependency of personality within the context of Planetary Health. The results of a mini-review on “personality” and “integral model” over the past five years (2012–2017) revealed recent trends within personality research. The most popular topics on integrative models of personality (ranked by frequency of peer-reviewed publications) were related to: interactions with the environment (social, cultural, organizational, relational, natural, etc.); life-style (also Quality of life); the bio-psyco-social model; emotions and emotional intelligence. The observed bidirectional influence of the environment (both social and natural) and the development of a healthy personality are in line with the Planetary Health framework, which stresses the links between the health of human civilization and the natural systems on which they depend. Based on these findings, an Environmentally Integrative Personality model is suggested, which highlights both, the mechanisms underlying personality development and the bidirectional interactions between environment and health and well-being. This model may lead to a deeper understanding of the role of ethical dimensions of personal behavior within a Planetary Health perspective.