The study, led by a team from the University of Edinburgh and the University of Tartu, Estonia, analyzed data from more than 16,000 people in Estonia BioCook. Participants reported their character using the “Big Five” traits, outgoing, neurotic, conscientious, open and pleasant traits, and were also evaluated by people who knew familiarity. Researchers examined general mental health risks and specific issues such as fatigue, fear, inattention, and ADHD.
They found personality to be one of the most reliable indicators of mental health problems, more than previous studies have shown. About 25% of the risks may be related to personality traits, which can also explain 25% of other specific conditions risks.
In neuroticism, people who are more susceptible to mental health problems tend to be higher, higher in terms of pleasure, and conscientious. However, certain problems (such as sleep problems) do not show a close connection to personality.
“By combining data from two sources, we are able to overcome common problems in personality assessments such as response bias and other types of measurement errors,” said Professor René M. Kee of the University of Edinburgh. “This allows us to estimate associations more accurately.”
