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

See all articles by Chi-Fai Lo

Chi-Fai Lo

The Chinese University of Hong Kong

Ferrari Ka-Yan Leung

affiliation not provided to SSRN

Coty Ping-Fan Lui

affiliation not provided to SSRN

Eva Chor-Bing Ng

affiliation not provided to SSRN

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

Suggested Citation

Lo, Chi-Fai and Leung, Ferrari Ka-Yan and Lui, Coty Ping-Fan and Ng, Eva Chor-Bing, Predictive Effect of Extraversion and Neuroticism on Mental Health during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Hong Kong: The Mediating Role of Coping Strategies (July 27, 2022). Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=4173824 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.4173824

Chi-Fai Lo (Contact Author)

The Chinese University of Hong Kong ( email )

Department of Physics
Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong
China

Ferrari Ka-Yan Leung

affiliation not provided to SSRN

Coty Ping-Fan Lui

affiliation not provided to SSRN

Eva Chor-Bing Ng

affiliation not provided to SSRN

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