Washington, Aug 19 - Chronic worrying can hasten death because it is more likely to promote unhealthy behaviours like smoking, warns a new study.

Chronic worrying, anxiety and vulnerability to depression are key aspects of a neurotic personality.

'Research shows that higher levels of neuroticism can lead to earlier mortality, and we wanted to know why,' said Daniel K. Mroczek, professor of child development and family studies at Purdue University (P-U).

'We found that having worrying tendencies or being the kind of person who stresses easily is likely to lead to bad behaviours like smoking and, therefore, raise the mortality rate.

'This work is a reminder that high levels of some personality traits can be hazardous to one's physical health,' Mroczek added.