Personality correlates of variations in visual and auditory abilities

Two studies explored the relationship between moderate reductions in visual acuity, color discrimination and hearing sensitivity and various personality factors. Experiment 1 tested 1014 subjects on the EPI and found that reduced visual acuity was associated with lower Extraversion, while reduced color discrimination and hearing sensitivity were associated with increased Neuroticism. Experiment 2 tested 1148 subjects on the NEO-FFI, and replicated the findings of Experiment 1. In addition, the NEO data showed lower Openness to experience for hearing reduced individuals and increased Extraversion for individuals with poorer color discrimination. Possible causal relationships between sensory status and personality, as well as methodological implications of these findings, are discussed.