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Psychological distress and neuroticism: a two-wave panel study
1Department of Social Sciences, Loughborough University, Leicestershire, UK.
The British Journal of Medical Psychology
|December 1, 1994
Summary
This study found no significant temporal link between psychological distress and Neuroticism in adults. The observed relationship was likely spurious, suggesting Neuroticism is a stable trait while distress is transient.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Psychiatry
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Neuroticism is a key personality trait linked to psychological distress.
- Understanding the temporal relationship between these constructs is crucial for mental health research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the temporal relationship between psychological distress and Neuroticism.
- To determine if Neuroticism predicts future psychological distress or vice versa.
Main Methods:
- Cross-lagged panel correlation and latent variable LISREL analysis were employed.
- Data were collected from 225 adult residents in Canberra at two time points, eight months apart.
- Psychological distress was measured using the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-30).
Main Results:
- Cross-lagged path coefficients in LISREL models were not significantly positive.
- The temporal relationship between psychological distress and Neuroticism was found to be spurious.
- Test-retest correlations indicated Neuroticism is a stable trait, while GHQ-30 measures transient distress.
Conclusions:
- There is no significant evidence of a causal or predictive temporal relationship between Neuroticism and psychological distress.
- Neuroticism represents a stable personality characteristic, whereas psychological distress is more indicative of a transient state.