In the study, which was conducted by psychologist Eileen Donahue, Ph.D., and researcher David Michaelson on behalf of The Soap and Detergent Association (SDA), the "Clean Extremes" were also found to be more focused and less anxious than "Dirt Dodgers," who clean only when they absolutely have to.

The 1997 SDA National Cleaning Survey, which included interviews with approximately 500 adult women, defines the three other cleaning personality groups as "Strugglers," "Mess Busters" and "Mop Passers."

"This research shows that there is a tremendous level of consistency between personality traits and attitudes toward cleaning," according to Donahue, co-author of Who Do You Think You Are?, a book which identifies and interprets personality characteristics. "Women who feel similarly about cleaning are more than likely to have some of the same personality features. For instance, we learned that `Mop Passers', who prefer to get help cleaning the house from family members or a housekeeper, are the most relaxed and easy going of the five cleaning personality groups."

Donahue urges "Strugglers" who fall short of their housework goals, as well as "Dirt Dodgers," to try to think about cleaning differently. "Obviously, housework is no match for a massage as a stress reducer. But those who like to clean showed a tendency to enjoy losing themselves in the simple routines of cleaning. Remember, escapism can come in many forms, and in this day and age of non-stop living, you sometimes have to be creative. Even if you can't work up a genuine enthusiasm for cleaning, you'll find it a lot less stressful if you just do the housecleaning, rather than dreading it."

And what if this new attitude doesn't bring you any more satisfaction? "Well," says Donahue, "the worst thing that can happen is that you don't feel more relaxed. But at least your kitchen or bathroom will be cleaner. And that, in and of itself, may end up making you feel better after all!"