ObjectivesPersonality traits have been linked with all-cause mortality risk. However, underlying mechanisms linking them are unclear. We sought to systematically review the literature and provide an overview of the potential mechanisms that have been identified. MethodsFive electronic databases (PubMed, Web of Science, CINAHL, PsychINFO, and Psycharticles) were searched from inception to the 27th of January 2023. From 611 studies initially identified, seven studies met the final inclusion criteria. These seven papers have a combined sample of 60,104 individuals (M = 8,585, SD = 14,600; range 957 – 44094). ResultsSeveral mechanisms were identified. These included, smoking, inflammation biomarkers, blood pressure, and sleep quality. These factors mediated the relation between various personality traits and mortality risk. There was considerable variation in the impact of results across cohorts, even when looking at similar variables and notable differences in methodological approaches and reporting were discussed. ConclusionsFindings indicated a small but growing literature examining important pathways linking personality to future risk of mortality. Several important mediating variables were identified for a number of traits. Interestingly, neuroticism did not appear to have consistent findings in this literature. There was also a high degree of variance in the degree to which mediators accounted for the personality-mortality relation between different populations. While this growing literature is promising with respect to possible avenues for future intervention, much rigorous research is needed.