Personality data reveal link between neuroticism and lasting pandemic anxiety and depression
An individual's personality, especially how strongly they react to uncertainty, may help indicate how vulnerable they are to prolonged mental distress during a major crisis, according to a new USC-led study.
A study led by USC researchers has found a connection between a person's neuroticism and the severity of mental health issues like anxiety and depression during the COVID-19 pandemic. Neuroticism refers to a personality trait characterized by being highly reactive to stress and prone to negative emotions. The study analyzed data from over 4,000 U.S. adults over several years, comparing mental health before, during, and after the pandemic.
Participants with higher neuroticism scores experienced more pronounced increases in mental distress compared to those with lower scores. Specifically, the risk of moderate to severe distress was 11 to 20 percentage points higher among the top 25% of neuroticism scorers. The link persisted across all age groups and continued into the post-pandemic period.
Participants with higher neuroticism also perceived greater health and financial risks, engaged in protective behaviors less frequently, and reported lower levels of exercise and relaxation as well as higher alcohol consumption. The research suggests that understanding personality traits like neuroticism could help identify individuals at higher risk for mental distress during crises, allowing for targeted interventions such as cognitive behavioral therapy or emotion regulation training.
However, the study emphasizes that neuroticism is a risk factor, not a diagnosis, and should be considered alongside other factors like symptoms, previous mental health conditions, and social circumstances.
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