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

Abstract

IntroductionIn 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.MethodsA 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.ResultsMeta-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.DiscussionThe 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 Registrationhttps://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/#CRD42023452418.

University students' and lecturers' perceived stress and satisfaction with life during the COVID‐19 pandemic: The role of personality traits and self‐efficacy

“…The results indicate that negative emotionality was strongly associated with both perceived stress and life satisfaction. This agrees with multiple studies which suggest that negative emotionality is the most important predictor of perceived stress and life satisfaction (e.g., Anglim & Horwood, 2021;Bellingtier et al, 2023;Ikizer et al, 2022;Krautter et al, 2022;Liu et al, 2021;Ng & Kang, 2022;Rettew et al, 2021;Shokrkon & Nicoladis, 2021; see also Regzedmaa et al, 2024). Negative emotionality is a personality trait manifested by the tendency to experience anxiety, fear, and sadness.…”

“…These effects were found to persist to a certain level during the COVID-19 pandemic. It was found that especially high negative emotionality significantly increased perceived stress and decreased life satisfaction (e.g., Anglim & Horwood, 2021;Bellingtier et al, 2023;Ikizer et al, 2022;Krautter et al, 2022;Liu et al, 2021;Ng & Kang, 2022;Rettew et al, 2021;Shokrkon & Nicoladis, 2021; see also Regzedmaa et al, 2024). Hence, we assume that negative emotionality is positively associated with perceived stress [H1] and negatively with life satisfaction [H2].…”