Regional Personality Differences: On the Interplay between Geography and Personality
Type
book section
Date Issued
2026
Author(s)
Editor(s)
Michael Robinson
Todd Pringle
Benjamin Wilkowski
Abstract
This chapter provides an overview of research on regional personality differences and their societal relevance. First, we review studies demonstrating psychological variation across geographic levels (from nations and regions to cities and neighborhoods) showing that, around the world, aggregated personality traits form meaningful spatial patterns. Second, we discuss potential drivers of these differences, distinguishing between selection processes (i.e., individuals selecting into environments) and adaptation processes (i.e., ecological and sociocultural contexts shaping psychological characteristics), and consider the empirical evidence for both of these processes. Third, we examine macro-level consequences of regional personality differences, focusing on political, economic, social, and health outcomes. Fourth, we consider micro-level consequences of regional personality differences, highlighting how regional psychological contexts shape individual behavior and well-being. We conclude by addressing outstanding conceptual and methodological challenges and by emphasizing new opportunities arising from advances in data collection, statistical modeling, and interdisciplinary exchange.
HSG Classification
contribution to scientific community
Refereed
Yes
Book title
Handbook of Personality Processes: Momentary, Daily, Developmental, and Generational Perspectives
Division(s)