Neuroticism linked to lasting mental distress during crises, study finds

A study led by the University of Southern California (USC) suggests that personality traits, specifically neuroticism, significantly influence an individual's vulnerability to prolonged mental distress during major crises. Published in the journal PLOS ONE, the research analyzed data from over 100,000 survey responses collected between 2019 and early 2024 via the Understanding America Study.

Researchers found that individuals scoring in the highest 25 percent for neuroticism—a trait characterized by emotional sensitivity and strong reactions to uncertainty—were approximately 11 to 20 percentage points more likely to experience moderate or severe anxiety and depression symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic. This increased distress remained evident even into the post-pandemic period.

Beyond psychological symptoms, those with high neuroticism reported perceiving greater health and financial risks, adopting more protective behaviors, exercising and relaxing less frequently, and consuming more alcohol. Other personality traits, such as extraversion and openness, showed weaker or insignificant associations with mental health trajectories during the crisis.