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Changes in neuroticism following trauma exposure
Christin M Ogle1, David C Rubin, Ilene C Siegler
1Duke University.
Journal of Personality
|April 5, 2013
Summary
Midlife neuroticism (a personality trait) does not appear to change after experiencing trauma. However, early-life traumas may lead to higher neuroticism later in adulthood.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Personality Science
- Trauma Studies
Background:
- Neuroticism, a core personality trait, is associated with negative affect and emotional instability.
- Trauma exposure is a significant life event that can potentially impact psychological well-being and personality.
- Understanding how personality traits like neuroticism change in response to trauma is crucial for mental health research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the longitudinal relationship between midlife trauma exposure and changes in neuroticism.
- To determine if traumatic events experienced in adulthood alter neuroticism levels.
- To explore the long-term effects of early-life versus adult trauma exposure on midlife neuroticism.
Main Methods:
- Longitudinal study design using data from 670 participants.
- NEO Personality Inventory administered at ages 42 and 50 to assess neuroticism.
- Self-reported lifetime trauma exposure assessed approximately 10 years after the second personality assessment.
Main Results:
- No significant differences in neuroticism scores were observed before and after midlife trauma exposure.
- Longitudinal changes in neuroticism did not differ between individuals with and without midlife trauma histories.
- Individuals with childhood or adolescent life-threatening trauma reported higher midlife neuroticism compared to those with adult trauma.
Conclusions:
- Neuroticism does not reliably change following exposure to traumatic events in middle adulthood.
- Early-life trauma exposure may have a more enduring impact on adult personality than recent trauma.
- Findings suggest personality stability in midlife regarding recent traumatic events, but highlight the lasting effects of early adversity.
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