THE CONTRIBUTION OF PERSONALITY AND NEGATIVE HEALTH BEHAVIOURS ON DEPRESSION, ANXIETY AND STRESS DURING EARLY ADULTHOOD

Abstract

Aims: The aims of the study were to examine the frequency of negative health behaviors (alcohol, cigarette and coffee consumption) and to examine association between personality traits and physical activity with the symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress.
Methods: The following measures were used: (a) a general data questionnaire containing sociodemographic characteristics and questions about unhealthy life habits (alcohol and cigarette consumption); (b) Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS); (c) Big Five Personality Trait Questionnaire (BFI); (d) International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ).
Results: The results indicated a significantly higher number of students who did not consume cigarettes (χ2=10.05, p<0.01),
while the largest number of students consumed alcohol infrequently or on weekends (χ2=32.93, p<0.001). Marginally higher levels of anxiety were found in students who did not consume alcohol (t=1.63; p=0.053). The results of regression analysis indicated a statistically significant effect of neuroticism on the intensity of depressive (B=2.52, p<0.001) and anxiety (B=3.09 p<0.001) symptoms in students. Openness to experiences contributed to higher student stress levels (B=0.1, p<0.001). Sedentary lifestyle affects the occurrence of anxiety (B=0.001, p<0.05).
Conclusion: According to the obtained results, we can conclude that neuroticism contributes to the appearance of symptoms of anxiety and depression, openness to experiences to higher stress levels, while a sedentary lifestyle contributes to higher anxiety of students.