Stories
Personality Trait of Neuroticism Linked to Higher Mental Distress During Crisis: Study
- •A new US study published in the journal PLOS One reveals that a person's reaction to uncertainty can indicate their vulnerability to prolonged mental distress during crises like the COVID-19 pandemic.
- •Researchers analyzed over 100,000 survey responses from 4,030 adults collected between 2019 and early 2024 to track mental health trajectories before, during, and after the pandemic.
- •Individuals scoring high on neuroticism experienced larger and more persistent increases in anxiety and depression, with those in the top 25 percent being 11 to 20 percentage points more likely to suffer moderate or severe distress.
- •People with high neuroticism also perceived greater risks, engaged in fewer relaxing activities, and consumed more alcohol during the pandemic.
- •The findings can help clinicians and emergency planners identify vulnerable populations for targeted mental health support and improve crisis communication strategies.
Key Questions Answered
Individuals scoring high on neuroticism experienced larger and more persistent increases in anxiety and depression symptoms during the pandemic compared to those scoring low on the trait. Participants in the top 25 percent for neuroticism were about 11 to 20 percentage points more likely to experience moderate or severe distress.
The study published in PLOS One followed 4,030 adults using internet panel data from the Understanding America Study managed by the University of Southern California's CESR. Researchers analyzed over one lakh survey responses collected from 2019 through early 2024 to evaluate anxiety and depression symptoms before, during, and after the pandemic.
Participants higher in neuroticism perceived greater health and financial risks, adopted more protective behaviors, and reported exercising and relaxing less frequently while consuming more alcohol.
