Personality Data Reveal Link Between Neuroticism and Lasting Pandemic Anxiety and Depression

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.

Neuroticism Linked To Higher Mental Distress During Crises

A new US study reveals that individuals with high neuroticism are more susceptible to prolonged mental distress during crises like the COVID-19 pandemic. The research, based on over 100,000 survey responses, found that neuroticism significantly increased anxiety and depression symptoms, persisting even into the post-pandemic period. The findings suggest personality traits can help identify vulnerable groups for targeted mental health support.

Neuroticism Predicts Who Suffers Lasting Mental Distress in a Crisis, USC

A USC-led study of more than 4,000 U.S. adults found that people high in neuroticism experienced larger and more persistent increases in anxiety and depression during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.