Psychological Distress Moderates the Relationship between Personality Traits and Health Anxiety among Emerging Adults

Abstract

Individual’s unique personality traits not only predispose individuals to certain conditions but also shape their perceptions, coping mechanisms and ultimately their overall well-being. Some personality traits serve as double barreled which  fuel psychological health while also influencing resilience and coping at the same time. This study aims to examine the association between personality traits and health anxiety among emerging adults and it also aimed to check the moderating role of psychological distress with each big five personality traits (Emotional stability, Extraversion, openness to experience, Agreeableness and Conscientiousness). To investigate variables of interest, a cross-sectional design with purposive sampling was used. Data of 264 participants  was collated. Statistical analyses were applied to scrutinize the data. Correlational analysis in terms of personality traits with other main variables showed that psychological distress has a significant negative correlation with personality traits and positive correlations with health anxiety (r=.73). Moderation analysis through the structural assessment model exhibits that psychological distress significantly moderates the relationship between personality traits and health anxiety. Distress is a significant moderator while personality traits act as protective factors in terms of higher distress. The study's implications rely on using healthy coping strategies and modifying the developmental factors of personality.