THE EFFECT OF SOCIALIZING ON NEUROTICISM AND ANXIETY
Neuroticism and anxiety; is less socializing a catalyst?
name
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Date
Methodology 2
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
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, THE EFFECT OF SOCIALIZING ON NEUROTICISM AND ANXIETY
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic brought a range of government-mandated restrictions which
affected individuals' daily lives, especially social distancing and isolation effected mental health.
The present study sought to examine whether the total time spent socializing moderates the
relationship between neuroticism and anxiety. The results showed a significant positive association
between neuroticism and anxiety. Adversely, the total time spent socializing was found to have no
impact as a moderator on the association between neuroticism and anxiety. Therefore, based on this
study, we can conclude that time spent socializing does not act as a buffer against anxiety. Anxiety
rates are recorded to be higher during the pandemic. However, we can say now that this is not due
to less time spent socializing. Further monitoring of the impacts of COVID restrictions is essential
for further understanding the relationship between personality and anxiety and its protective factors.
Introduction
The vast spread of the coronavirus in late 2019 was declared a pandemic at the beginning of
2020 (Tang et al., 2020). It altered an individual's personal, daily and professional lives in the years
to come. To counter the virus's spread, countries mandated restrictions such as social distancing,
lockdowns and sanitary measures (Wider-Smith & Freedman, 2020). Specifically, quarantine and
social distancing added psychological pressure on many, especially groups already suffering from
mental illness and elderly or medically vulnerable individuals (Galea et al., 2020). Studies show
that stress increased during the pandemic, which elevates anxiety symptoms and can even reduce
immunity (Fan et al., 2015).
Perceived stress is a biological response to a threat in the environment, commonly known as
the fight or flight response. This response is psychological and biological, triggering various
hormonal and neurological responses (Sanders & Lushington, 2002). Anxiety is the constant
anticipation of this stress or outside threat. Feelings of anxiety are associated with excessive fearful,
anxious or avoidant responses to stimuli. These responses are often faulty, as there is no actual risk
or danger. Fear occurs when there is a perceived imminent threat, while anxiety is a state of
anticipation about perceived future threats (Craske & Stein, 2016). Anxiety disorders are the most
prevalent mental health problem (Kessler et al., 2001). As of 2013, worldwide, one in nine people
has had an anxiety disorder in the past year (Baxter et al., 2012). A study conducted by Williams et
Neuroticism and anxiety; is less socializing a catalyst?
name
Student number
Date
Methodology 2
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
Word count
, THE EFFECT OF SOCIALIZING ON NEUROTICISM AND ANXIETY
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic brought a range of government-mandated restrictions which
affected individuals' daily lives, especially social distancing and isolation effected mental health.
The present study sought to examine whether the total time spent socializing moderates the
relationship between neuroticism and anxiety. The results showed a significant positive association
between neuroticism and anxiety. Adversely, the total time spent socializing was found to have no
impact as a moderator on the association between neuroticism and anxiety. Therefore, based on this
study, we can conclude that time spent socializing does not act as a buffer against anxiety. Anxiety
rates are recorded to be higher during the pandemic. However, we can say now that this is not due
to less time spent socializing. Further monitoring of the impacts of COVID restrictions is essential
for further understanding the relationship between personality and anxiety and its protective factors.
Introduction
The vast spread of the coronavirus in late 2019 was declared a pandemic at the beginning of
2020 (Tang et al., 2020). It altered an individual's personal, daily and professional lives in the years
to come. To counter the virus's spread, countries mandated restrictions such as social distancing,
lockdowns and sanitary measures (Wider-Smith & Freedman, 2020). Specifically, quarantine and
social distancing added psychological pressure on many, especially groups already suffering from
mental illness and elderly or medically vulnerable individuals (Galea et al., 2020). Studies show
that stress increased during the pandemic, which elevates anxiety symptoms and can even reduce
immunity (Fan et al., 2015).
Perceived stress is a biological response to a threat in the environment, commonly known as
the fight or flight response. This response is psychological and biological, triggering various
hormonal and neurological responses (Sanders & Lushington, 2002). Anxiety is the constant
anticipation of this stress or outside threat. Feelings of anxiety are associated with excessive fearful,
anxious or avoidant responses to stimuli. These responses are often faulty, as there is no actual risk
or danger. Fear occurs when there is a perceived imminent threat, while anxiety is a state of
anticipation about perceived future threats (Craske & Stein, 2016). Anxiety disorders are the most
prevalent mental health problem (Kessler et al., 2001). As of 2013, worldwide, one in nine people
has had an anxiety disorder in the past year (Baxter et al., 2012). A study conducted by Williams et
