Researchers in the emerging field of geopsychology have found links between regional culture and the Big Five personality traits. This study, published in 2021 by Tobias Ebert and his team, mapped out personality differences across the country. The research shows that conscientiousness, agreeableness, neuroticism, openness, and extraversion vary by region.
While Southerners are generally found to be more agreeable, Northeasterners tend to score higher on neuroticism. In this article, we focus on the Western U.S. and how its residents tend to differ, especially when it comes to agreeableness. Let’s get to it.
Less agreeable westerners
Agreeableness is all about being cooperative, friendly, and compassionate. In the Western U.S., people tend to score lower on this trait on average. This suggests a more independent and straightforward approach to life. Westerners may come off as less inclined to compromise or smooth over conflicts with a smile. This isn’t to say they’re unkind but they are often more direct and less swayed by the need for social harmony.
Think of the pioneer days or the modern tech hubs in cities like San Francisco and Seattle. There’s a sense of rugged individualism that might lead to a more critical or blunt interaction style. This might mean that people here prefer to speak their minds and value personal freedom over group conformity.
While this is a general trend seen in the research, remember that personality is complex. Not every Westerner fits this mold, but on average, the numbers point in that direction.
Other personality traits in the West
While agreeableness is lower, Westerners show interesting patterns in other traits. Here’s a quick look at the remaining personality traits:
- Extraversion: Many lean toward a more reserved style. They might prefer quiet evenings and smaller social gatherings over big parties. This doesn’t mean they aren’t social, they just value quality over quantity in their interactions.
- Conscientiousness: The level of discipline and organization in the West can vary. In some areas, people are driven and highly efficient while in others, the laid-back vibe leads to a more spontaneous and flexible approach.
- Neuroticism: Overall, Westerners show a decent level of emotional stability. Many can handle stress well, even if there are pockets where anxiety or mood swings appear.
- Openness: One of the standout traits in the West is high openness. Residents here are known for their love of new ideas and experiences. This trait fuels creativity and innovation, whether it’s in arts, technology, or everyday problem-solving.
The study shows that if you live in the Western U.S., you might be less agreeable compared to your fellow Americans in other regions. But personality is a mix of many factors. While the West leans toward independence and directness, its residents are also marked by emotional stability and high openness. Research like this allows us to have a better understanding of regional cultures in the country and the reasons behind our differences.