Predictive Effect of Extraversion and Neuroticism on Mental Health during the Covid-19 Pandemic in Hong Kong: The Mediating Role of Coping Strategies

Abstract

The present study investigated the predictive effect of extraversion and neuroticism on mental health among the Hongkongers during the third wave of Covid-19 pandemic, 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 these three coping strategies is absent in the relationship between extraversion and mental health.