Timid People 'More Prone To Early Death'

Ananova ^ | 12-10-2003

[blam]

Timid people 'more prone to early death'

Shyness may help to shorten a person's lifespan, according to findings from a new animal study.

Scientists found that rats with a fear of anything new were far more likely to die early from cancer than less timid individuals.

Animals identified as "neophobic" had a 60% greater chance of dying at any one time. They also produced a greater surge of stress hormones when placed in an "exploration arena" containing unfamiliar objects.

Scientists say an almost identical hormone response is seen in children that are shy, inhibited and fearful. Such behaviour is characteristic of neophobia in children, and detectable as early as 14 months.

The US researchers publish their findings in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. Sonia Cavigelli and Martha McClintock, from the University of Chicago, studied 28 male laboratory rats which varied in their response to novel environments.

To identify animals that were neophobic and neophilic (non-fearful), the rats were placed in a tank into which various objects were introduced. These included a bowl, a food hopper, a tunnel, and a brick.

With each five-minute trial, the objects were replaced by new ones and the rats' behaviour monitored. Neophobic rats moved around and inspected the objects only a little, whereas their bolder brothers were keen to explore and inquisitive.

The scientists found that middle-of-the-range lifespan for the neophobic rats was 599 days, compared with 701 days for the neophilic rats. Although the fearful rats died sooner, the cause of death was the same in all animals. About 80% died as a result of tumours associated with old age, especially in the pituitary gland.

Scientists say the study indicated that neophobia made the animals more vulnerable to diseases they were likely to get anyway as they aged. In fact, non-fearful rats were able to survive having more tumours than neophobic animals.

The physical processes that led to neophobic rats dying young were unknown, said the researchers.

Story filed: 07:03 Tuesday 9th December 2003

[NotchJohnson]

Hmm, I think I may be a bit timid and I have cancer. There it is.

[Lijahsbubbe]

I'd comment, but I think I'll wait and see what everyone else thinks first.

[GOP_Proud]

I just might as well hang it up. This seems to be another nail in my coffin. If I believed all the stuff like this that has been printed in the passed few years I'd just naturally reach down and check for a pulse. Surely the deck is stacked against me.

[Prodigal Son]

I wonder how many of the "eager to explore" rats actually said "Hey yall, watch this!" before they did what they did?

[Burn24]

Well, I'm kind of shy, and I also smoke.

Wonder if I'll wake up tomorrow?

[Lijahsbubbe]

I wonder how many people on this forum who have big opinions and mouths are really shy in person?

[.38sw]

Interesting. So because I've been a downhill skier, white-water rafter, shooter, and skydiver and am therefore not very timid, I can expect to live a loooong time? that may or may not be a good thing.

[catonsville]

Timid people die earlier because aggressive people push them around.

Sorry, the meek shall NOT inherit the earth, just die sooner.

Law Of Nature

[RightWhale]

They studied rats. Maybe some scientists consider rats to be people.

[sonserae]

I've told people this theory for years. Notice Bob Hope, George Burns, etc...Those people who express their emotions and don't hold them in live longer. We aren't designed to bottle stuff up inside...it has to go somewhere and it ends up being in the form of cancers.

[Mushinronshasan]

Be bold.

[anniegetyourgun]

I'm just sure I'm gonna die young....being such a .

[Michael121]

DemocRATS are not people, they are test subjects for lab rats.....

We need more DemocRATS in the labs because there are just some things that Lab Rats will NOT DO

[Michael121]

Depends on good clean powder, avoiding rocks, no-misfires, and full opened silk. Minus one you may end up a statistic.... or a stain on the ground.... :o)

Went into a Media Play today, there was a VERY timid girl at the counter. She would not even look at the customers, and you had to strain to hear a word she said. She appears to be a pushee..... too bad she is kinda cute :o)

[.38sw]

Well, so far so good...

[Bob J]

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[apackof2]

I wonder how many people on this forum who have big opinions and mouths are really shy in person?

Good question, its easy to sound off behind the faceless monitor of a PC

[connectthedots]

Sure you are.

As for me, I am going to live a long time.

[shaggy eel]

Maybe some scientists consider rats to be people.

,,, maybe they do. I know more than enough voters did for two terms...