The relationship between big five personality traits, coping strategies, and emotional problems through the COVID-19 pandemic

The relationship between NEO-five personality traits and sleep-related characteristics: A systematic review and meta-analysis

An increasing body of research has suggested personality traits as a possible predisposing factor for individual differences in sleep pattern and problems. However, the findings were mixed and there remained a lack of a quantitative synthesis. As searched in the four databases (Web of Science, Embase, PsycINFO, PubMed), 60 studies (n = 73,540; female = 60 %) that used standardized measures to evaluate the relationship between NEO-five personality traits and sleep-related outcomes (sleep quality and sleep duration) were identified. Meta-analyses were performed using random-effects model and the results suggested that poor sleep quality was associated with a higher level of neuroticism (r = 0.287) but a lower degree of openness (r = -0.042), conscientiousness (r = -0.132), extraversion (r = -0.086), and agreeableness (r = -0.064). Shorter sleep duration was found to be associated with a higher level of neuroticism (r = 0.066) but not with other personality dimensions. The findings were mainly limited to the general population. Future research should investigate whether comparable patterns of associations are present in the clinical populations. There is also a need for more research with a prospective design utilizing objective sleep measurements and to explore the mechanisms underlying the association of personality factors with sleep-related characteristics, especially sleep quality and duration.

Personality traits and quality of life: a cross-sectional study in a middle-aged Iranian general population

INTRODUCTION

Despite considerable research on the association between Personality Traits (PT) and Quality of Life (QoL) in patients and older adults, this association remains poorly understood among the middle-aged general population.This investigation examines how each PT is associated with total QoL and its dimensions.

METHODS

The present investigation utilized data collected from a cross-sectional survey involving 786 families in Isfahan (644 female/wife respondents), Iran. QoL and PT were assessed using the validated WHOQOL-BREF and NEO-FFI questionnaires. Other data including demographic and socioeconomic status (SES) were also collected. Statistical analyses included bivariate correlation and simple and multiple linear and logistic regressions.

RESULTS

Mean value of Psychological health [Mean difference = -4.34, P = 0.003], Physical health [mean difference = -3.93, P = 0.004], and total score of QoL [mean difference = -3.21, P = 0.049] were all significantly lower in women than men. Higher SES score was consistently associated with greater QoL scores (r > 0, P < 0.05). The physical domain and total QoL scores have been negatively correlated with the spouse's age (r < 0, P < 0.05). In crude and adjusted models, higher Neuroticism scores were inversly associated with higher scores of all QoL domains and total QoL (OR < 1, P < 0.05, for all models) while others personality traits except Openness showed a direct association (OR > 1, P < 0.05). Linear regression analysis also confirmed that higher Neuroticism scores were linked to poorer QoL scores (Betacoefficient < 0, P < 0.05), while all other traits, except Openness, showed a positive association (Betacoefficient > 0, P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

This study provides robust evidence about the significant association of PT with QoL outcomes in middle aged people. This significant association highlights the importance of considering these traits in clinical applications, as tailored interventions based on personality profiles can effectively enhance the well-being of middle-aged individuals.

Personality traits, mindfulness, and perceived stress in Chinese adults: a sequential explanatory mixed-methods approach

Background

This study explores how personality traits and mindfulness facets interact to influence perceived stress, focusing on a Chinese adult sample. It aims to address gaps in understanding the combined effects of dispositional and mindfulness factors on stress.

Methods

A sequential explanatory mixed-methods design was employed. In the quantitative phase, 637 Chinese adults completed surveys measuring personality traits, mindfulness (attention, acceptance), and perceived stress. Hierarchical multiple regression, moderation, and mediation analyses were conducted. In the qualitative phase, semi-structured interviews with selected participants provided deeper insights into the quantitative findings.

Results

Neuroticism (β = 0.29, p < 0.001) and conscientiousness (β = 0.15, p < 0.01) were positively associated with perceived stress, while mindfulness-acceptance (β = -0.25, p < 0.001) was a significant negative predictor. Neuroticism and mindfulness-acceptance uniquely explained 8 and 6% of the variance in stress, respectively. Mindfulness-attention moderated the relationship between agreeableness and stress, amplifying agreeableness' stress-buffering effect in individuals with low mindfulness-attention. Mediation analysis revealed mindfulness-acceptance partially mediated the agreeableness-stress link. Qualitative interviews underscored the role of personality and mindfulness in shaping stress responses and coping mechanisms.

Conclusion

The findings highlight mindfulness-acceptance as a critical factor in reducing stress, particularly in individuals with agreeable personalities. These results support the development of mindfulness-based interventions targeting acceptance to enhance stress resilience across diverse personality profiles.

Second Victims Among Austrian Nurses (SeViD-A2 Study)

Background: The Second Victim Phenomenon (SVP) significantly impacts the well-being of healthcare professionals and patient safety. While the SVP has been explored in various healthcare settings, there are limited data on its prevalence and associated factors among nurses in Austria. This study investigates the prevalence, symptomatology, and preferred support measures for SVP among Austrian nurses. Methods: A nationwide, cross-sectional, anonymous online survey was conducted September to December 2023 using the SeViD questionnaire (Second Victims in German-speaking Countries), which includes the Big Five Inventory-10 (BFI-10). Statistical analyses included binary logistic regression and multiple linear regression using the bias-corrected and accelerated (BCa) bootstrapping method based on 5000 bootstrap samples. Results: A total of 928 participants responded to the questionnaire with a response rate of 15.47%. The participants were on average 42.42 years old and were mainly women (79.63%). Among the respondents, 81.58% (744/912) identified as Second Victims (SVs). The primary cause of becoming an SV was aggressive behavior from patients or relatives. Females reported a higher symptom load than males, and higher agreeableness was linked to increased symptom severity. Notably, 92.47% of SVs who sought help preferred support from colleagues, and the most pronounced desire among participants was to process the event for better understanding. Conclusions: The prevalence of SVP among Austrian nurses is alarmingly high, with aggressive behavior identified as a significant trigger. The findings emphasize the necessity for tailored support strategies, including peer support and systematic organizational interventions to mitigate the impact of SVP on nurses and to improve overall patient care. Further research should focus on developing and implementing effective prevention and intervention programs for healthcare professionals in similar settings.

Factors Influencing Depressive Symptoms in the Post-COVID-19 Pandemic Period

Background Mental health issues associated with the COVID-19 pandemic have been widely reported, with various influencing factors identified. However, factors affecting mental health in the post-pandemic period remain unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the factors influencing depressive symptoms during the COVID-19 post-pandemic period. Methods An online cross-sectional survey using convenience sampling was conducted from December 5, 2023 to December 8, 2023. Basic demographic information and social factors were evaluated using a custom-designed questionnaire. Depressive symptoms were measured with the Japanese version of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, personality traits were measured with the Japanese version of the Ten Item Personality Inventory, and stress coping strategies were measured with the Japanese version of the Brief Coping Orientation to Problems Experienced Inventory. Logistic regression analysis was performed to examine the impact of gender, age, occupation, subjective economic status, COVID-19 history, presence of pre-pandemic depressive symptoms, personality traits, and stress coping strategies on post-pandemic depressive symptoms by calculating ORs and CIs. All statistical analyses were performed using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 29.0 (Released 2022; IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA). We set a statistical significance level of 0.05 (two-tailed). Results Among all participants (n = 838), lower subjective economic status (OR: 2.90, 95% CI: 1.99-4.24), frequent substance use (OR: 1.70, 95% CI: 1.17-2.46), higher self-blame (OR: 2.03, 95% CI: 1.39-2.95), higher levels of active coping (OR: 0.58, 95% CI: 0.38-0.88), higher acceptance (OR: 0.61, 95% CI: 0.38-0.98), and pre-pandemic depressive symptoms (OR: 16.84, 95% CI: 11.61-24.44) were significantly associated with post-pandemic depressive symptoms. Conclusions This study identified pre-pandemic depressive symptoms, lower subjective economic status, higher self-blame, and frequent substance use as risk factors for post-pandemic depressive symptoms. These findings suggest the need for social support, economic assistance, and mental health education to promote constructive stress management alternatives to substance use for the prevention of depression in the context of pandemics.

Impact of Stress during COVID-19 Pandemic in Italy: A Study on Dispositional and Behavioral Dimensions for Supporting Evidence-Based Targeted Strategies

The COVID-19 pandemic caused critical mental health issues and lifestyle disruptions. The aim of this study was to explore, during the lockdown of second-wave contagions in Italy, how stress was affected by dispositional (personality factors and intolerance to uncertainty) and behavioral (coping strategies) dimensions, how these variables differed among sex, age, educational, professional, and health groups, and how the various changes in work and daily routine intervened in the psychological impact of the emergency. Our results highlight that women, the youngs, students/trainees, those with chronic diseases, those who stopped their jobs due to restrictions, and those who left home less than twice a week were more stressed, while health professionals showed lower levels of the same construct. Those with higher levels of stress used more coping strategies based on avoidance, which positively correlated with age, agreeableness, conscientiousness, and intolerance to uncertainty, and negatively with openness. Stress levels also positively correlated with agreeableness, conscientiousness, intolerance to uncertainty, and seeking of social support, and negatively with openness, a positive attitude, and a transcendent orientation. Finally, stress was predicted mainly by behavioral dimensions. Our results are discussed and framed within the literature, as important insights for targeted intervention strategies to promote health even in emergencies.

A systematic review and meta-analysis of neuroticism and anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic

Introduction

In response to the global impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, concerns about mental health, particularly anxiety levels, have become prominent. This study aims to explore the relationship between neuroticism, a personality trait associated with emotional instability, and anxiety during the COVID-19 outbreak.

Methods

A comprehensive literature search was conducted using the Cochrane Library, HINARI, Google Scholar, and PUBMED, resulting in the identification of 26 relevant papers. The study protocol has been registered with PROSPERO under the number CRD42023452418. Thorough meta-analysis was performed using Comprehensive Meta-Analysis V4 software.

Results

Meta-analysis revealed a significant positive relationship between anxiety and neuroticism, with 26 studies supporting this association (OR = 3.213, 95% CI 2.352 to 4.391). The findings underscore the importance of considering personality traits, particularly neuroticism, in understanding psychological responses to major global crises such as the COVID-19 epidemic.

Discussion

The observed connection between neuroticism and heightened anxiety levels emphasizes the need for targeted interventions, especially for individuals with high levels of neuroticism. Further research into potential therapeutic approaches for mitigating anxiety consequences in the context of a significant global catastrophe is warranted.

Systematic Review Registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/#CRD42023452418.

Second Victims among Austrian Pediatricians (SeViD-A1 Study)

(1) Background: The second victim phenomenon (SVP) plays a critical role in workplace and patient safety. So far, there are limited epidemiological data on the SVP in German-speaking countries. Some studies have been carried out in Germany, but so far, no quantitative studies have been carried out in Austria examining the prevalence, symptom load and preferred support measures for second victims (SVs). This study therefore examines the SVP among Austrian pediatricians. (2) Methods: A nationwide, cross-sectional and anonymous online study was conducted using the SeViD questionnaire (Second Victims in Deutschland) including the Big Five Inventory-10 (BFI-10). Statistical analysis included binary-logistic and multiple linear regression with the bootstrapping, bias-corrected and accelerated (BCa) method based on 1000 bootstrap samples. (3) Results: Of 414 Austrian pediatricians, 89% self-identified as SVs. The main cause of becoming an SV was the unexpected death or suicide of a patient. High neuroticism and extraversion values as well as working in outpatient care positively correlated with having experienced the SVP. A preferred support strategy was access to legal counseling. (4) Conclusions: Austrian pediatricians have the highest SVP prevalence measured with the SeViD questionnaire. Further research should focus on prevention strategies and intervention programs.

Threat Appraisal, Resilience, and Health Behaviors in Recovered COVID-19 Patients: The Serial Mediation of Coping and Meaning-Making

Research indicates that both cognitive appraisal and personal resources can noticeably influence health behaviors, as individuals modify their health convictions and practices on the basis of threat appraisal, personality, and meaning. The aim of the current study was to investigate whether coping strategies and meaning-making can serially mediate the relationship of threat appraisal and resilience with health behaviors in recovered COVID-19 patients. Self-report measures of threat appraisal, resilience, coping, meaning-making, and health behaviors were completed by 266 participants (aged 17 to 78, 51.5% female) who had recovered from COVID-19. The serial mediation analysis showed that the relationship of threat appraisal and resilience with health behaviors was mediated by problem-focused coping, meaning-focused coping, and meaning-making, but not by emotion-focused coping. These results suggest that associations among threat perception, resilience, and health behavior depend to some extent on the interplay of coping and meaning-making, which reveals their unique role in the process of recovery from COVID-19, with potential implications for health interventions.

The relation between college students' neuroticism and loneliness: The chain mediating roles of self-efficacy, social avoidance and distress

Background

Recently, identifying the psychological mechanism of college students' loneliness has attracted wide attention because the maladjustment caused by college students' loneliness is increasingly common. This study explored the relationship and potential mechanism between college students' neuroticism and loneliness in a large sample.

Methods

A total of 4,600 college students completed the Big Five Personality Scale, Loneliness Scale, Self-efficacy Scale and Social Avoidance and Distress Scale.

Results

By examining the chain mediating roles of self-efficacy, social avoidance and distress (SAD) in the relation between neuroticism and loneliness, the present study found that college students' neuroticism was positively associated with loneliness via self-efficacy and SAD, respectively, and sequentially.

Conclusions

The results suggest a significant positive association between neuroticism and loneliness, which is influenced by the mediating effects of both self-efficacy and social avoidance and distress (SAD), as well as the chained mediating effects of self-efficacy and SAD.