AUTHOR=AL-Omiri Mahmoud K. , Alzoubi Ibrahim A. , Al Nazeh Abdullah A. , Alomiri Abdallah K. , Maswady Mohannad N. , Lynch Edward 

TITLE=COVID-19 and Personality: A Cross-Sectional Multicenter Study of the Relationship Between Personality Factors and COVID-19-Related Impacts, Concerns, and Behaviors

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Psychiatry

VOLUME=Volume 12 - 2021

YEAR=2021

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychiatry/articles/10.3389/fpsyt.2021.608730

DOI=10.3389/fpsyt.2021.608730

ISSN=1664-0640

ABSTRACT=Background: This cross sectional observational study aimed to evaluate COVID-19 related precautions to avoid COVID-19 infection, distress and behavioural changes, fears and concerns, and effects on opinions and believe among participants from different backgrounds. Also, to identify the relationships between personality factors and COVID-19 related changes and impacts. Methods: 1319 participants (744 females and 575 males, mean age ±SD= 32.7 ±11.6 years) completed a three-section survey collecting data regarding demographic information, personality factors (using NEO Five Factor Inventory (NEO-FFI)), and COVID-19 related issues (using VAS scale). Findings: COVID-19 was associated with changes related to precautions to avoid COVID-19 infection, distress and behavioural changes, fears and concerns, and effects on opinions and believe (P< .05). Higher neuroticism scores were associated with more negative COVID-19 related changes and impacts (P< .05). Higher extraversion, agreeableness, and conscientiousness scores were associated with more acceptance of COVID-19 containment measures as well as less COVID-19 related changes and impacts (P< .05). Conclusions: Personality factors were associated with COVID-19 related impacts. These findings demonstrate the importance of the relationship between personality factors and COVID-19 related changes.