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Journal of Clinical Medicine Apr 2022Depression is a psychiatric disorder of heterogeneous etiology. One of the leading theories suggests an inflammatory background to it. It is often found in the...
Depression is a psychiatric disorder of heterogeneous etiology. One of the leading theories suggests an inflammatory background to it. It is often found in the scientific literature that certain personality traits, such as high neuroticism, low extroversion and conscientiousness, are being associated with depression. We combined biochemical tests of IL-1 and IL-6 serum levels and scores in the personality test EPQ-R among 50 depressed patients and 37 healthy participants. The results confirmed increased serum levels of IL-1 and IL-6 in a study group when compared to healthy volunteers. Additionally, personality traits (psychoticism and neuroticism) were increased in the depressed group when compared to healthy volunteers. The authors analyzed correlations in both groups. However, only one statistically significant link was observed in IL-6 and K levels (scale associated with the need for social acceptance) in the control group.
PubMed: 35407580
DOI: 10.3390/jcm11071974 -
Journal of the American Geriatrics... Apr 2020To examine whether five major personality traits are related to the motoric cognitive risk (MCR) syndrome, a pre-dementia syndrome characterized by cognitive complaints...
OBJECTIVES
To examine whether five major personality traits are related to the motoric cognitive risk (MCR) syndrome, a pre-dementia syndrome characterized by cognitive complaints and slow gait speed.
DESIGN
Cross-sectional.
SETTING
Health and Retirement Study (HRS) and the National Health and Aging Trends Survey (NHATS).
PARTICIPANTS
Dementia-free older adults aged 65 to 107 years (N > 8000).
MEASUREMENTS
In both samples, participants provided data on personality, cognitive complaints, and measures of gait speed, as well as on demographic factors, physical activity, depressive symptoms, and body mass index (BMI).
RESULTS
Across the two samples and a meta-analysis, higher neuroticism was related to higher risk of MCR (combined odds ratio [OR] = 1.32; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.21-1.45; P < .001), whereas higher extraversion (combined OR = .71; 95% CI = .65-.79; P < .001) and conscientiousness (combined OR = .70; 95% CI = .62-.78; P < .001) were associated with a lower likelihood of MCR. Higher openness was also related to a lower risk of MCR in the HRS and the meta-analysis (combined OR = .77; 95% CI = .70-.85; P < .001), whereas agreeableness was protective only in the HRS (OR = .83; 95% CI = .74-.92; P < .001). Additional analyses indicated that physical activity, depressive symptoms, and BMI partially accounted for these associations.
CONCLUSION
This study adds to existing research on the factors related to the risk of MCR by showing an association with personality traits. Personality assessment may help to identify individuals who may be targeted by interventions focused on reducing the risk of MCR and ultimately of dementia. J Am Geriatr Soc 68:803-808, 2020.
Topics: Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Cognitive Dysfunction; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Gait Apraxia; Health Surveys; Humans; Longitudinal Studies; Male; Personality; Personality Tests; Risk Factors; Syndrome
PubMed: 31880326
DOI: 10.1111/jgs.16282 -
Psychological Reports Dec 2022Despite putative gender differences in the expression of narcissism, prominent theories have virtually dismissed the role of females in the development and manifestation... (Review)
Review
Despite putative gender differences in the expression of narcissism, prominent theories have virtually dismissed the role of females in the development and manifestation of narcissism. The contention that narcissism is a pathology of the self that may partly differ in males and females is further evident in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). The DSM-5 reports that up to 75% of those diagnosed with Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) are men. Such figures suggest that the representation of narcissism as codified in the DSM-5 may only be marginally applicable to females, given its prominent focus and nature on capturing grandiose themes which closely resemble commonly masculine norms. The overemphasis on grandiose features extends to the empirical literature which defines narcissism as a normative personality trait and is widely assessed using the Narcissistic Personality Inventory (NPI), on which males obtain significantly higher scores than females. As this review will demonstrate, one limitation frequently occurring in the literature is the attempt to comprehend narcissistic manifestations in females through the lens of what has commonly been defined as narcissism (DSM/NPI). In this review, the literature concerning the diagnostic assessment and conceptualisation of narcissistic personality disorder, aetiological factors, aggression, and partner violence perpetration will be discussed in relation to the importance of gender. This is followed by a review of existing gaps in theory and research, and suggestions for fruitful directions that can aid a richer and more meaningful literature on narcissism inclusive of gender issues.
Topics: Aggression; Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders; Female; Humans; Male; Narcissism; Personality Disorders; Personality Inventory
PubMed: 34154472
DOI: 10.1177/00332941211027322 -
Acta Psychologica Sep 2023This study explores the relationship between bright- and dark-side personality traits and four major styles of defense mechanisms (DMs) as this relationship remains...
This study explores the relationship between bright- and dark-side personality traits and four major styles of defense mechanisms (DMs) as this relationship remains unexplored and important in understanding the DMs. In all, 435 adult working participants (241 men; 194 women; Mean age 46.06 yrs) mainly in middle management jobs, completed a 78-item, six-trait measure of bright-side personality (HPTI: High Potential Type Indicator), a 25-item five-trait measure of the dark-side personality (PID-5;BF: DSM-5-Brief Form) and 88-item, four-styles measure of defense mechanisms (Defense Style Questionnaire). The aim was to examine demographic (sex, age, education), ideological and personality trait correlates of the DMs. It was hypothesized that the dark-side traits, particularly Detachment would be most strongly related to the DMs. Thereafter, a hierarchical linear regression was performed with each DM factor as criterion and predictors being demography, ideology, self-esteem as well as bright- and dark-side personality traits. Detachment was associated with all DMs, particularly Maladaptive (r = 0.68) and Image Distorting Style (r = 0.38) while Conscientiousness was associated with none. One implication concerns the assessment of DMs by standard tests. Limitations are acknowledged and include method invariance and sample homogeneity.
Topics: Adult; Male; Humans; Female; Middle Aged; Personality Disorders; Personality; Surveys and Questionnaires; Self Concept; Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders; Personality Inventory
PubMed: 37573741
DOI: 10.1016/j.actpsy.2023.104002 -
International Journal of Behavioral... Aug 2020There is growing evidence that five-factor model personality traits are associated with self-reported sleep. We test whether these associations extend to objective sleep...
BACKGROUND
There is growing evidence that five-factor model personality traits are associated with self-reported sleep. We test whether these associations extend to objective sleep measures in older adulthood and whether measures of objective sleep mediate the relation between personality and subjective sleep.
METHODS
A random subsample of participants in the National Social Life and Aging Project (NSHAP) wore an accelerometer for up to three nights and had information on FFM personality traits (N = 620). Participants also reported on their feelings of being rested.
RESULTS
Higher neuroticism and lower extraversion and conscientiousness were associated with more frequent wake after sleep onset, greater fragmentation, and feeling less rested. Concurrent body mass index, disease burden, perceived stress, and depressive symptoms accounted for these associations. Personality was unrelated to total time spent asleep but conscientiousness was associated with earlier and more consistent bedtimes. None of the objective sleep metrics mediated the relation between personality and subjective sleep.
CONCLUSIONS
The present research indicates that the associations typically found for personality and subjective sleep extend to objective sleep fragmentation. These objective measures, however, do not account for the relation between personality and feeling rested.
Topics: Aged; Aging; Body Mass Index; Extraversion, Psychological; Female; Humans; Male; Neuroticism; Personality; Personality Inventory; Self Report; Sleep
PubMed: 31755033
DOI: 10.1007/s12529-019-09828-w -
Brain and Behavior Nov 2023In myasthenia gravis (MG), depression and anxiety have frequently been reported as comorbidities. However, little is known about personality characteristics in MG...
INTRODUCTION
In myasthenia gravis (MG), depression and anxiety have frequently been reported as comorbidities. However, little is known about personality characteristics in MG patients. We aimed to characterise personality traits in MG and to correlate them with disease severity and disease course.
METHODS
The Big Five Inventory data questionnaire was used to investigate personality traits in 44 MG patients and 45 healthy controls similar in age and gender. In 28 MG patients, a caregiver was also available for patient assessments to limit bias associated with social desirability in patients' responses. Patients were assessed with regard to premorbid personality (before manifestation of MG) and to present condition. In addition, anxiety and depression scales (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and Beck Anxiety Inventory) were applied.
RESULTS
Compared to controls, MG patients showed significantly higher levels of neuroticism, whereas openness and extraversion were significantly lower. Agreeableness and conscientiousness did not differ between groups. Neuroticism was influenced by disease severity such as generalization of weakness, presence of thymoma, and bulbar involvement as well as disease duration. Neuroticism correlated with premorbid level of neuroticism but also with depression and anxiety scores.
CONCLUSION
A personality profile of increased neuroticism and lower openness and extraversion in MG patients may contribute considerably to the perception of disease severity. It may also be related to frequent comorbidities such as anxiety and depression. Although premorbid levels of neuroticism were increased, this characteristic may also increase considerably during the course of the disease. The data indicate that muscle weakness in MG is accompanied or even complicated by psychological aspects. Therefore, a psychological and behavioral intervention in addition to the specific pharmacological therapy might be of particular value.
Topics: Humans; Prospective Studies; Personality; Anxiety Disorders; Neuroticism; Myasthenia Gravis; Personality Inventory
PubMed: 37608592
DOI: 10.1002/brb3.3228 -
Neuropsychopharmacologia Hungarica : a... Jun 2022Inadequate adherence to long-term therapies significantly affects the course and outcome of the disease, and therefore poses a serious threat to both the effectiveness... (Review)
Review
Inadequate adherence to long-term therapies significantly affects the course and outcome of the disease, and therefore poses a serious threat to both the effectiveness and success of treatment and the long-term well-being of patients. Therapeutic adherence is an extremely complex process, with a number of risk and protective factors identified, many of which underlie the psychological characteristics of the patient. A number of medication adherence models have been developed to take into account the psychological characteristics of patients, and recent research has examined the relationship between different personality models and adherence to therapeutic recommendations. In this review we aim to summarize current knowledge, adherence models, research findings on the relationship between personality and adherence, including implications for future research.
Topics: Humans; Personality; Personality Disorders; Personality Inventory; Surveys and Questionnaires; Temperament; Treatment Adherence and Compliance
PubMed: 35862891
DOI: No ID Found -
Scandinavian Journal of Psychology Feb 2023Resilience refers to the process by which individuals use the ability to cope with challenges to successfully adapt to adverse situations, inclining towards the future...
Resilience refers to the process by which individuals use the ability to cope with challenges to successfully adapt to adverse situations, inclining towards the future and hope. The main aim of this study was to analyze the relation between resilience, personality traits, and hopelessness. Furthermore, we conducted comparisons between two age groups: young and older adults. The sample comprised 439 Spanish participants (66.7% women; M = 43.73, SD = 26.41; age range = 18-98 years). The Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale, NEO-Five Factor Inventory, and Beck Hopelessness Scale were used to measure the main study variables. The results revealed a negative relation between resilience and neuroticism, and a positive association with the other personality traits. Additionally, levels of resilience were found to be negatively related to hopelessness. The group of older adults showed significantly lower resilience levels than the young adults, although age was not a significant predictor of resilience. Neuroticism, extraversion, openness, and hopelessness were the only predictors of resilience for the current study. This work contributes to the study of resilience and related factors, by attempting to understand the role of resilience and resistance to risk and how individuals tackle challenges over time, with important implications for mental health.
Topics: Young Adult; Humans; Female; Aged; Adolescent; Adult; Middle Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Male; Personality; Self Concept; Affect; Neuroticism; Mental Health; Personality Inventory
PubMed: 36057793
DOI: 10.1111/sjop.12866 -
Journal of Affective Disorders Jul 2023The aim of the current study is to investigate the associations between personality traits and mental health in people with asthma and compare it with people without...
OBJECTIVE
The aim of the current study is to investigate the associations between personality traits and mental health in people with asthma and compare it with people without asthma.
METHODS
Data came from UKHLS with 3929 patients with asthma with a mean age of 49.19 (S.D. = 15.23) years old (40.09 % males) and 22,889 healthy controls (42.90 % males) with a mean age of 45.60 (S.D. = 17.23) years old. First, the current study investigated the difference in Big Five personality traits and mental health between people with and without asthma using a predictive normative modeling approach with one-sample t-tests. Second, a hierarchical regression accompanied by two multiple regressions was used to determine how personality traits may relate to people with and without asthma differently.
RESULTS
The current study found asthma patients have significantly higher Neuroticism, higher Openness, lower Conscientiousness, higher Extraversion, and worse mental health. Asthma status significantly moderated the association between Neuroticism and mental health with this relationship being stronger in people with asthma. Moreover, Neuroticism was positively related to worse mental health and Conscientiousness and Extraversion were negatively associated with worse mental health in people with and without asthma. However, Openness was negatively associated with worse mental health in people without asthma but not in people with asthma.
LIMITATIONS
The limitations of the current study include cross-sectional designs, self-reported measured, and limited generalizability to other countries.
CONCLUSION
Clinicians and health professionals should use findings from the current study to come up with prevention and interaction programs that promote mental health based on personality traits in asthma patients.
Topics: Male; Humans; Middle Aged; Adolescent; Female; Personality; Mental Health; Cross-Sectional Studies; Neuroticism; Asthma; Personality Inventory
PubMed: 37075823
DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2023.04.022 -
BMC Psychiatry Apr 2021Despite being discussed in the psychiatric literature for decades, very little is known about personality features associated with trichotillomania and skin picking...
BACKGROUND
Despite being discussed in the psychiatric literature for decades, very little is known about personality features associated with trichotillomania and skin picking disorder (known as body focused repetitive behavior disorders, BFRBs); and the contribution of personality traits to their clinical presentations.
AIM
The present study assessed personality traits in a large and well-characterized sample of adults with either trichotillomania or skin picking disorder or both.
METHODS
Adults (n = 98, aged 18-65 years), with trichotillomania (n = 37), skin picking disorder (n = 32), both trichotillomania and skin picking disorder (n = 10), and controls (n = 19) were enrolled. Participants completed self-report questionnaires to quantify personality (NEO Personality Inventory), as well as extent/severity of picking/pulling symptoms, mood and anxiety, impulsive and perfectionistic tendencies, and neurocognitive functioning. Group differences were characterized and correlations with other measures were examined.
RESULTS
In comparison to controls, BFRBs had elevated neuroticism scores (p < 0.001), lower extraversion scores (p = 0.023), and lower conscientiousness scores (p = 0.007). Neuroticism was significantly related to both hair pulling (r = 0.24, p < 0.001) and skin picking severity (r = 0.48, p < 0.001), as well as elevated perceived stress, worse anxiety and depressive symptoms, and poorer quality of life. Introversion (i.e. lower extraversion) was significantly associated with worse picking severity, higher perceived stress, and higher depression. Lack of conscientiousness was significantly associated with more depression, impulsivity, and perceived stress.
DISCUSSION
Personality traits of neuroticism, introversion, and lack of conscientiousness are heightened in individuals with BFRBs and show strong associations with a number of clinically relevant features of illness. The holistic understanding and treatment of these disorders is likely to require consideration of dimensional traits such as these.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Anxiety Disorders; Humans; Middle Aged; Personality; Personality Inventory; Quality of Life; Trichotillomania; Young Adult
PubMed: 33882867
DOI: 10.1186/s12888-021-03209-y