Predicting the Severity of Symptoms of the COVID Stress Syndrome from Personality Traits: A Prospective Network Analysis
TAGS: pandemics, covid-19 ·Authored By: Steven Taylor, Allan Fong, Gordon J.G. Asmundson
A person’s reaction to COVID-19 related stress is complex and influenced by factors unique to each individual, including personality traits. COVID stress syndrome (CSS) is characterized by: (a) worry about the dangerousness of catching COVID-19 and concern about exposure to infected surfaces, (b) worry about the impact of COVID on finances, (c) fear that COVID-19 is spread by others not native to the country, (d) traumatic stress symptoms like nightmares, and (e) continual checking or seeking reassurance from others about aspects of the pandemic. This study aimed to understand how specific personality traits may be associated with greater risk for experiencing COVID stress syndrome and examine other personality traits that may protect against the impact of COVID-related stressors. Data was collected and analyzed from approximately 1900 Canadian and American adults over three months. The findings illustrated higher levels of optimism and resiliency were associated with more negative emotional expression. A relationship was also found, indicating that the greater the negative emotional expression, the more likely individuals were to be intolerant of uncertainty and vulnerable for experiencing health anxiety. As a result, optimism, resiliency, negative emotionality, intolerance of uncertainty, and susceptibility to health anxiety were all associated with COVID stress syndrome.
Read Full Publication