Psychological Wellbeing during the COVID-19 Pandemic: The Influence of Personality Traits in the Italian Population

Abstract

Coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) has had a strong psychological impact on the Italian population. Italy was heavily affected by the virus before other countries in Europe, experiencing the highest number of deaths. Unknown symptoms in the early stages of the pandemic and the absence of clear transmission links affected people’s wellbeing. Individual personality differences played a key role in perceived psychological wellbeing during the pandemic. The present exploratory study sought to evaluate the impact of COVID-19 on psychological health and identify how psychological wellbeing is influenced by personality traits. A total of 2103 participants (64% female and 36% male) completed an online survey that included the Psychological General Wellbeing Index (PGWBI), the Italian Short Personality Inventory (ITAPI), and a general questionnaire. Descriptive statistics and hierarchical regressions were performed using SPSS 25.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA) (The findings showed poor psychological wellbeing in the Italian population. Young people reported the lowest scores. Vulnerability traits negatively influenced some PGWBI domains, such as the total score (β = −0.62), anxiety (β = −0.55), depression (β = −0.46), positivity and wellbeing (β = −0.51), vitality (β = −0.45), general health (β = −0.12), and self-control (β = −0.52). On the other hand, dynamism traits positively affected vitality (β = 0.12) and positivity and wellbeing (β = 0.14). In other words, personality factors related to vulnerability in particular created risk, whereas dynamism offered protection. The results highlight how COVID-19 helped to trigger anxious and depressive states. People feel helpless and vulnerable when facing new, unexpected conditions caused by the virus. These findings may assist mental healthcare professionals in safeguarding psychological wellbeing during emergencies such as the pandemic.

Prevalence rates of anxiety, depressive, and eating pathology symptoms between the pre- and peri-COVID-19 eras: A meta-analysis

“…Combining findings from the present study with Rossi et al. (2021) , it is possible that upon the onset of COVID-19 many people experienced helplessness and vulnerability within the broader population, as they were unsure of ways to keep themselves and loved ones safe during the pandemic.…”

“…Additionally, in this project we sought to estimate the relatively increased prevalence rates of psychopathology during the COVID-19 era; however, we did not investigate the mechanisms by which these increased rates came about. Recent literature within an Italian sample points to vulnerability and helplessness as contributors to the development and exacerbation of psychopathology ( Rossi et al., 2021 ). It is possible that these factors contribute psychopathology to other populations.…”

Coping strategies and mental health: A web-based survey among the Italian population dealing with COVID-19

“…The results provided by the ANOVAs showed very low levels of psychological well-being in women. This first result is in line with other studies that have reported a significantly higher level of distress in women (Lathabhavan, 2021 ; Rossi et al ., 2021 ). Furthermore, a recent meta-analysis conducted by Wang et al .…”

Terdepan dalam Pendidikan Jasmani dan Ilmu Keolahragaan sebagai Pemacu SDM Unggul Selama Pandemi

“…Menurut Ryff & Keyes, (1995) Model teoritis kesejahteraan psikologis yang mencakup 6 dimensi kesehatan yang berbeda (Otonomi, Penguasaan Lingkungan, Pertumbuhan Pribadi, Hubungan Positif Dengan Orang Lain, Tujuan Hidup, Penerimaan Diri) Psychological wellbeing adalah sebagai kemampuan individu untuk menerima diri apa adanya, membentuk hubungan yang hangat dengan orang lain, memiliki kemandirian dalam menghadapi lingkungan sosial, mengontrol lingkungan eksternal, menetapkan tujuan hidupnya, dan merealisasikan potensi dirinya secara kontinu (Rossi, Bonanomi, & Oasi, 2021).…”