Example 2. Measuring early conscientiousness can identify which now-healthy patients will develop health problems in the future [28]. This line of research brings translational medicine and personality psychology together. Our translational research suggests that a 5-item questionnaire given in the waiting room at the GP’s office can tell doctors which patients need more motivational counselling to promote healthy behaviours and prevent later onset of disease. The latest findings are the logical extension of a 15-year research programme examining if and how behavioural style predicts poor health (e.g., [29, 30]).
