High neuroticism at age 20 predicts history of mental disorders and low self-esteem at age 35.
The authors assessed whether neuroticism in emerging adulthood predicts mental disorders and self-esteem in early adulthood after controlling for possible confounding variables. A sample of 69 male military conscripts was initially assessed at age 20 and again as civilians at age 35. The initial assessment included a psychiatric interview, objective indicators of conscript competence, an intellectual performance test, and neuroticism questionnaires. The follow-up assessment included a Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV (SCID; First, Spitzer, Gibbon, & Williams, 1996) and the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (Rosenberg, 1965). Neuroticism predicted future mental disorders and low self-esteem beyond more objective indicators of adjustment. The results support the use of neuroticism as a predictor of future mental disorders, even over periods of time when personality is subject to change.
Lönnqvist
Jan-Erik
JE
Department of Psychology, University of Helsinki, Finland. jan-erik.lonnqvist@helsinki.fi
Verkasalo
Markku
M
Mäkinen
Seppo
S
Henriksson
Markus
M
D000328:Adult; D015986:Confounding Factors, Epidemiologic; D005387:Finland; D006801:Humans; D007406:Interview, Psychological; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000209:etiology*; D008889:Military Personnel / Q000523:psychology; D009497:Neurotic Disorders / Q000150:complications* / Q000523:psychology; D010551:Personality; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D012649:Self Concept; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055815:Young Adult