Psychological profiles of professional actors

The personality profiles and cognitive styles of 191 professional actors were compared to general population samples. Actors of both sexes were significantly higher than comparison groups in extraversion, openness to experience, and agreeableness. There was a trend towards higher neuroticism. The actors also scored significantly more highly than comparison groups on Baron-Cohen’s empathizing quotient. The results are discussed with reference to the demands and rewards of acting, and the view that choices of activity are the result of seeking a fit between the person and the environment.