Personality Types and COVID-19 Pandemic: Exploring Individual Responses to a Global Crisis: A Review

Abstract

Background: Personality traits are significant indicators of health across the lifespan, and influence behavioral choices. Available research evidence shows that personality can play a role in adherence to preventive health behaviors (PHBs) during the COVID-19 crisis. Certain traits increase the risk of infection, while others enhance coping with the COVID-19 pandemic. Objectives: This review examines how personality influences adherence to health guidelines during a crisis. Method: A narrative synthesis approach was used to review studies showing how personality traits are associated with adherence to COVID-19 preventive measures. Results: The findings suggest that benevolent personality traits correlate with greater adherence, while malevolent personality traits increase the risk of noncompliance with public health measures. Specifically, conscientiousness emerges as the strongest predictor of adherence to health regulations and behaviors. Conclusions: According to the results of this review, it can be concluded that personality can be a determinant of individual differences in compliance. This means that people with different personality traits are more or less likely to comply with health measures and rules. Understanding these connections can help public health officials develop more effective strategies to promote healthy behaviors.