dents are generally open, reserved, and socially distant, whereas in right-leaning regions, residents appear to be friendly, warm, dutiful, and traditional," the researchers write. The separation of blue states into two distinct psychological regions suggests that "there are distinct psychological profiles differentiating East Coast from West Coast liberals."
Regional personality traits could also tell researchers a lot about economic prosperity and health. States high in openness and low in neuroticism show greater economic success and innovation. Nine of the 11 states that comprise a southeastern region dubbed the Stroke Belt for its unusually high incidence of strokes are located in the "friendly and conventional" cluster, which rates low in well-being and healthy behavior. People living in the "relaxed and creative" region, on the other hand, are in good health.
But as is the case with most personality research, it is tough to state with absolute certainty which came first—people open to experience or a good economy, conventional attitudes or poor health—and what's having an effect on what.