Extraversion and low introversion more equivalent to high introversion in depression during COVID-19

This study investigated whether forms of extraversion-introversion produced different depression-related outcomes before and during the COVID-19 pandemic.

One-way MANCOVAs were conducted to investigate the relationship between extraversion-introversion and depressive symptoms. These data were sourced from the NLSY97, consisting of 4846 individuals born between 1980 and 1984.

During pre-pandemic periods, high introversion increased the risk of depressive symptoms. During the pandemic, the risk for depressive symptoms was more equivalent, or less predominately high-introvert-based, among extraverted/low introverted and high introverted subjects.

Extraversion/low introversion was linked with increased depression, relative to high introversion, during the pandemic. The findings raise significant questions about how individuals with distinct personality traits may experience changes in their psychological well-being during challenging public health events.