Combined Effects of Neuroticism and Extraversion

Abstract

Neuroticism and extraversion are potentially important markers of personality vulnerability to suicide. Whereas previous studies have examined these traits independently, we examined their combined effects. Data were collected from family members and/or friends of individuals 18 years or older who died by suicide (n = 64) in rural China and from age-, sex-, and geographically matched controls (n = 64). Personality was assessed with the NEO-Five Factor Inventory. Individuals with a personality style characterized by high neuroticism and low extraversion were at 3.07 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.44-6.55) times greater risk for suicide than were individuals without this personality style; in contrast, a style characterized by low neuroticism and high extraversion conferred decreased suicide risk (odds ratio, 0.41; 95% CI, 1.44-6.55). We conclude that it may be clinically inadequate to conceptualize neuroticism, by itself, as a risk marker for suicide. However, when the negative affect characteristic of neuroticism is combined with the joylessness, pessimism, and hopelessness characteristic of low extraversion, risk for suicide is elevated.

Suicide in Recent Onset Psychosis Revisited: Significant Reduction of Suicide Rate over the Last Two Decades — A Replication Study of a Dutch Incidence Cohort

“…While our findings fit our hypothesis for passive coping [59], we expected that higher levels of neuroticism would be related to suicide risk [41,42]. One could speculate that higher levels of neuroticism and passive coping may also protect against suicide in a similar way to negative symptoms.…”

“…In the general population, higher levels of neuroticism may increase the risk for suicide [41]. In addition, higher levels of neuroticism seem to predict future onset of psychotic disorders [41,42].…”

“…In the general population, higher levels of neuroticism may increase the risk for suicide [41]. In addition, higher levels of neuroticism seem to predict future onset of psychotic disorders [41,42]. A large study by Li and Zang showed that patients with suicidal ideations, both with and without psychotic disorders, scored significantly higher on passive coping mechanisms and lower on active coping than the control group [43].…”

Predictors for self‐directed aggression in Italian prisoners include externalizing behaviors, childhood trauma and the serotonin transporter gene polymorphism 5‐HTTLPR

“…Moreover, high levels of neuroticism and low levels of extraversion have been significantly associated with suicidality in a general population sample (Fang et al , 2012). Congruent studies have shown that higher levels of extraversion predict a lower risk for suicide, whereas introversion increases suicide risk (Roy, 2003, Tsoh et al , 2005).…”

Clarifying the role of neuroticism in suicidal ideation and suicide attempt among women with major depressive disorder

“…However, given the consistent association of psychopathology (e.g., depression) with suicidal ideation and attempt (Beautrais 1999), it is imperative that research adjust for comorbid diagnoses to avoid conflating suicidal ideation and attempt with related psychopathological syndromes. Similarly, Kendler and colleagues, among others, have demonstrated the role of stressful life events in suicidal ideation and behavior, specifically attempted suicide (Statham et al 1998; Fergusson et al 2000; Roy 2003a, 2003a; Fanous et al 2004; Bi et al 2012; Fang et al 2012; Zhu et al 2013; Chan et al 2014). Neuroticism may increase the risk to experience stressful life events or to perceive life events as stressful (Kendler et al 2003; Pickles et al 2010).…”