Predictive Effect of Extraversion and Neuroticism on Mental Health during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Hong Kong: The Mediating Role of Coping Strategies
28 Pages Posted: 1 Aug 2022 Last revised: 3 Aug 2022
Date Written: July 27, 2022
Abstract
The present study investigated the predictive effect of neuroticism and extraversion on mental health among the Hongkongers during the third wave of COVID-19 pandemic (from May 28 till September 26, 2020), with coping style as a potential mediator. Particularly, a mediation model between personality traits of extraversion and neuroticism, coping strategies and mental health was constructed within the framework of the personality-coping-outcome theory. A sample of 170 participants completed an online questionnaire containing preliminary demographic questions, Coping Strategy Indicator, General Health Questionnaire, and Eysenck Personality Questionnaire Brief Version. Results of the mediation analysis indicate that neuroticism can directly affect the psychological well-being of Hongkongers during the pandemic, and have indirect effect (with an effect size of 28.45%) on individual mental health through the mediation of the coping strategy “avoidance”. The other two coping strategies, namely “problem solving” and “seeking social support”, do not play any role in the mediation process. Moreover, significant mediating effect of the coping strategies is absent in the relationship between extraversion and mental health.
Keywords: Extraversion; Neuroticism; Coping Strategies; Stress; Mental Health
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