‘Negative emotions’ where coal was king

PEOPLE LIVING in areas that historically relied on coal-based industries are more likely to experience negative emotions such as anxiety and depressive moods, a study has found.

Researchers analysed data from almost 400,000 personality tests from people across England and Wales, collected during 2009-2011 as part of the BBC Lab’s online Big Personality Test.

They found that those living in the former industrial heartlands of England and Wales are more disposed to negative emotions and more likely to struggle with planning and self-motivation.

Findings published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology indicate that areas which relied on coal-based industries in the 19th century retain a “psychological adversity”. Researchers suggest this was brought about by selective migrations during mass industrialisation, and the effects of severe work and living conditions. Those moving to industrial areas were often seeking employment to escape poverty and had high levels of “psychological adversity”, while those leaving probably had higher levels of optimism and psychological resilience, the study said.

Co-author Dr Jason Rentfrow, of Cambridge University, said: “Regional patterns of personality and wellbeing may have their roots in major societal changes under way decades or centuries earlier, and the Industrial Revolution is arguably one of the most influential and formative epochs in modern history.

“This study is one of the first to show that the Industrial Revolution has a hidden psychological heritage, one that is imprinted on today’s psychological makeup of the regions of England and Wales.”