The relationship between fear of COVID-19 infection, fear of COVID-19 vaccination and Big Five personality traits: a mediation model.

BACKGROUND: The primary objective of our correlational, cross-sectional study was to determine the relationship between fear of COVID-19 infection and fear of COVID-19 vaccination and the role of the Big Five personality traits in this relationship. PARTICIPANTS AND PROCEDURE: The study sample consisted of 462 participants, including 286 women and 176 men, aged 18 to 75, recruited from the general population. The Big Five personality traits were diagnosed using the Polish version of the Ten-Item Personality Inventory. We used an 11-point numerical rating scale to measure the intensity of fear of COVID-19 infection as well as fear of COVID-19 vaccination. RESULTS: The results indicate that fear of infection has a weak positive correlation with fear of vaccination. Both types of fear have a weak negative correlation with emotional stability and openness to experience. People diagnosed with COVID-19 have significantly higher levels of fear of vaccination and lower levels of emotional stability compared to those without a COVID-19 diagnosis. Fear of infection proves a good predictor of fear of vaccination and a likely mediator between emotional stability and fear of vaccination against COVID-19. CONCLUSIONS: The results may increase our understanding of the role of personality traits, such as emotional stability, in the fear of infection and COVID-19 vaccination hesitancy.

Strength of excitation and insomnia as mediated by mood dimensions.

BACKGROUND: The main goal of our study was to demonstrate the relationship between the strength of excitation (SE) as one of the basic central nervous system (CNS) properties and insomnia, and to determine the role of the mood components as mediators of this relationship. We hypothesized that SE directly and indirectly via arousal-related mood dimensions may be related to insomnia. PARTICIPANTS AND PROCEDURE: The study involved 149 people, 85 women and 64 men, aged 18 to 60 (M = 30.11, SD = 11.43) selected from the general population using snowball sampling. The basic properties of the CNS were diagnosed using Pavlovian Temperament Survey. Mood was assessed using the Polish adaptation of UWIST Mood Adjective Checklist. To evaluate insomnia symptoms Athens Insomnia Scale in its Polish adaptation was used. RESULTS: SE negatively correlated with insomnia (no significant correlations between strength of inhibition and mobility and insomnia). All CNS properties positively correlated with hedonic tone (HT) and energetic arousal (EA), and negatively with tense arousal (TA) as mood dimensions. HT and EA were negatively correlated with insomnia but TA positively correlated with insomnia. Both EA and TA served as mediators in the relationship between SE and insomnia. CONCLUSIONS: The results indicated the relationship between SE and insomnia as well as between SE and EA and TA as mood dimensions related to arousal. Mediation analysis suggests that both EA and TA may serve as mediators of the relationship between SE and insomnia. However, the results of the mediation analysis require careful interpretation.

Resilience, anxiety, depression, and life satisfaction in women suffering from endometriosis: a mediation model.

The main goal of this cross-sectional study was to assess the relationship between resilience and life satisfaction in women suffering from endometriosis and examine anxiety and depression as mediators in this relationship. The study sample included 349 Caucasian women aged from 18 to 56 years (M = 32.94; SD = 6.74) suffering from endometriosis surgically diagnosed and histologically confirmed. The life satisfaction level was assessed by the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS). Unspecific anxiety was evaluated using the General Anxiety Disorder-7 scale (GAD-7). Depression symptoms were assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). Resilience was measured using the Resilience Assessment Scale (SPP-25). Life satisfaction correlated negatively with anxiety and depression, but positively with resilience. Resilience correlated negatively with anxiety and depression. Anxiety and resilience accounted for 25% of the life satisfaction variance. Depression and resilience explained 35% of the variance in life satisfaction. Among resilience components, personal coping skills, tolerance of negative affect, tolerance of failures and treating life as a challenge, openness to new experiences and a sense of humour, and optimistic life attitude and ability to mobilize in difficult situations were the best predictors of life satisfaction. Anxiety and depression may serve as mediators in the relationship between resilience and life satisfaction. Our results suggested that resilience may be related to life satisfaction in women suffering from endometriosis directly and indirectly as mediated by anxiety and depression.

Anxious temperament and cyberchondria as mediated by fear of COVID-19 infection: A cross-sectional study.

This study's main goal was to evaluate the association between anxious temperament and the fear of COVID-19-related self-infection and infection in loved ones (family members, friends, relatives) and cyberchondria. The sample consisted of 499 men and women aged between 18 and 72 who were gathered from the general population via an online recruitment platform. A numerical rating scale comprising 11 degrees of fear was used to assess participants' COVID-19-related fear, and affective temperaments were evaluated using Akiskal's Temperament Evaluation of the Memphis, Pisa, Paris and San Diego Autoquestionnaire (TEMPS-A) scales. Cyberchondria was assessed using McElroy and Shevlin's Cyberchondria Severity Scale (CSS). Small to medium positive correlations were found between depressive, cyclothymic, irritable and anxious temperaments and cyberchondria and between depressive and anxious temperaments and COVID-19 fears. However, no correlation was observed between the hyperthymic temperament and cyberchondria. Cyberchondria positively correlated with both COVID-19 fears scales, though the correlation coefficients were medium. Based on the results of linear regression analysis, only anxious temperament and COVID-19 fear of self-infection were significant predictors of cyberchondria. The analysis also revealed a significant indirect effect of anxious temperament on cyberchondria through fear of COVID-19 self-infection as a mediator between anxious temperament and cyberchondria.

The association between BIS/BAS and fear of COVID-19 infection among women.

BACKGROUND: The main goal of this cross-sectional study was to evaluate, in women, the association between the behavioural inhibition system/behavioural activation system (BIS/BAS) and fear of COVID-19-related self-infection and infection of loved ones (family members, friends, relatives). Several studies have indicated that the psychological consequences of COVID-19 are serious especially among women. On the other hand, little is known about the role of the BIS and BAS in shaping responses and behaviour during the COVID-19 pandemic. The article deals with this issue. PARTICIPANTS AND PROCEDURE: The sample consisted of 415 women between the ages of 18 and 67. A numerical rating scale comprising 11 degrees of fear was used to assess participants' COVID-19-related fear, and the BIS and BAS were evaluated using Carver and White's BIS/BAS scales. RESULTS: A small positive correlation was observed between the BIS and participants' COVID-19-related fear of loved ones' infection. The BIS explained two percent of the COVID-19-related fear of loved ones' infection dimension. CONCLUSIONS: The BIS weakly, but significantly correlated with women's fear of their loved ones being infected by COVID-19. This study highlights the possible role of the BIS mechanism in women's response to COVID-19-related fear, but only when the threat affects loved ones. Comparative studies between men and women are necessary.

Personality profiles and meteoropathy intensity: A comparative study between young and older adults.

OBJECTIVES: This study's main aims were to investigate the Big Five personality trait heterogeneity of study participants in two age groups and to examine whether these traits' heterogeneity can explain possible individual differences in meteoropathy intensity. METHOD: The sample was comprised of 758 participants divided into two age groups: 378 young adults (18-30 years old) and 380 older adults (60+ years old). The participants filled out online or paper versions of the METEO-Q questionnaire and the Ten Item Personality Inventory (TIPI). RESULTS: A latent profile analysis of the completed inventories showed various personality profiles differ in meteoropathy intensity. However, personality's differentiating effect on meteoropathy was observed only among the young adult group. CONCLUSIONS: Our study's results indicate that there is no one personality trait pattern that fits all individuals regarding sensitivity to weather changes. This issue is especially visible when considering age differences.

Affective Temperaments and Meteoropathy Among Women: A Cross-sectional Study.

The main goal of the study was to assess the relationship between affective temperaments and meteoropathy among women and examine meteorosensitivity as a mediator in this relationship. The issue of affective temperaments and meteoropathy has not been considered in the literature. The sample consisted of 450 Caucasian women gathered via the online recruitment platform. The participants' ages ranged from 18 to 70 years (M = 30.01; SD = 9.10). The Polish version of the Temperament Evaluation of Memphis, Pisa, Paris and San Diego Autoquestionnaire was used to assess affective temperaments (depressive, cyclothymic, hyperthymic, irritable and anxious). Meteorosensitivity and meteoropathy were assessed using the Polish adaptation of the METEO-Q questionnaire. A large positive correlation was found between meteorosensitivity and meteoropathy. Medium positive correlations were found between meteorosensitivity/meteoropathy and cyclothymic and anxious temperaments. Small positive correlations were revealed between depressive and irritable temperaments and both meteorosensitivity and meteoropathy scales. No correlation was found between hyperthymic temperament and meteorosensitivity/meteoropathy. Mediation analyses indicated cyclothymic and anxious temperaments affected meteoropathy both directly and indirectly through meteorosensitivity as a mediator. The most severe meteoropathy symptoms in the studied sample were asthenia, an indefinite feeling of malaise and irritability. The results suggest affective temperaments may be related to meteoropathy symptoms in women.

Sex, affective temperaments and information stress.

OBJECTIVES: The main purpose of the study was to investigate the association between sex and the level of information stress, as mediated by affective temperaments. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The sample consisted of 231 healthy Caucasian adults (150 women and 81 men) recruited from a general population. The participants' age ranged 18-56 years (M±SD = 25.07±6.36). Affective temperaments were assessed using the Temperament Evaluation of Memphis, Pisa, Paris and San Diego Auto-questionnaire (TEMPS-A). To assess the level of information stress, the Information Stress Questionnaire (ISQ) was used. RESULTS: Information stress displayed low to medium positive correlations with depressive, cyclothymic, irritable and anxious temperaments, and a negative correlation with the hyperthymic temperament. The female group was characterized with significantly higher age, information stress, and anxious temperament values, and with a significantly lower irritable temperament value, when compared to males. Cyclothymic temperament, anxious temperament and hyperthymic temperament were found to be significant predictors of information stress. The mediation analysis showed a significant direct effect of sex on information stress. The anxious temperament was a significant mediator of the relationship between sex and information stress. CONCLUSIONS: The results showed the relationship between sex and information stress, including the role of anxious temperament as a mediator. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2019;32(5):635-44.

Religious Fundamentalism, Satisfaction with Life and Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms Intensity in a Polish Sample of People Living with HIV/AIDS.

We investigated the relationship between religious fundamentalism, satisfaction with life and the intensity of posttraumatic stress symptoms in people living with HIV/AIDS. The study was conducted on 283 adults, including 242 HIV-positive patients and 41 individuals with AIDS, aged from 20 to 74. Religious fundamentalism was positively correlated with age and posttraumatic stress symptoms intensity. Negative correlation between satisfaction with life and posttraumatic stress intensity was also found. Religious fundamentalism and satisfaction with life accounted for 34% of the variance in posttraumatic stress symptoms intensity. The level of patients' education mediated the relationship between religious fundamentalism and the posttraumatic stress symptoms intensity.

Affective Temperaments, Mood, and Insomnia Symptoms in a Nonclinical Sample.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to understand the relationship between affective temperaments and insomnia symptoms and to examine mood state as a mediator in this relationship. PARTICIPANTS: The sample consisted of 659 adults (428 women and 231 men), aged 18-77 years old, derived from a nonclinical population. METHODS: Affective temperaments were assessed using the Temperament Evaluation of Memphis, Pisa, Paris, and San Diego Autoquestionnaire (TEMPS-A). Mood was measured using the UWIST Mood Adjective Checklist (UMACL). Insomnia was evaluated by the Athens Insomnia Scale. RESULTS: We found positive correlations among anxious, cyclothymic, depressive, and irritable affective temperaments and insomnia symptoms. Negative correlation with insomnia symptoms was found for hyperthymic temperament. Energetic arousal and tense arousal, as mood dimensions, positively correlated with insomnia symptoms. Hierarchical regression analysis indicated that anxious, cyclothymic, and hyperthymic temperaments were significant predictors of insomnia symptoms. Mediation analyses indicated that anxious, cyclothymic, and hyperthymic temperaments affected insomnia symptoms, both directly and indirectly, through energetic arousal as a mediator. CONCLUSIONS: The results showed a relationship between affective temperaments and insomnia symptoms and included the role of energetic arousal, a mood state dimension, as a mediator.

Association between sex and body mass index as mediated by temperament in a nonclinical adult sample.

PURPOSE: The main purpose of the present study was to investigate the association between sex and body mass index (BMI) as mediated by the temperament traits postulated by the regulative theory of temperament. METHODS: A group of 317 subjects, including 122 men and 195 women 18-82 years old (M = 31.93; SD = 12.64 years), was recruited from the general population to participate in the study. A cross-sectional design was applied in this study. Temperament was assessed using the formal characteristics of behaviour-temperament inventory revised version (FCB-TIR). In the sample, BMIs ranged from 16.51 to 35.56 kg/m2 (M = 23.31 kg/m2; SD = 3.61 kg/m2). RESULTS: The male group had significantly higher BMI, briskness and endurance levels and significantly lower perseveration, sensory sensitivity and emotional reactivity levels compared to the female group. No significant differences between these groups were noted in terms of activity and rhythmicity. The correlations between BMI and briskness and between BMI and endurance were positive, while the correlations between BMI and perseveration and between BMI and activity were negative. The correlations among BMI, sensory sensitivity, emotional reactivity and rhythmicity were not statistically significant. The mediation analysis showed that briskness and endurance were significant partial mediators of the relationship between sex and BMI. CONCLUSIONS: Sex and two temperament traits, briskness and endurance, were the best predictors of BMI. Briskness and endurance partially mediated the relationship between sex and BMI. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Descriptive cross-sectional study. Level V.

Social support, stress coping strategies, resilience and posttraumatic growth in a Polish sample of HIV-infected individuals: results of a 1 year longitudinal study.

This study investigated the level of posttraumatic growth (PTG) and its association with the level of social support, stress coping strategies and resilience among a people living with HIV (PLWH) in a 1 year longitudinal study. We also controlled for age, HIV infection duration and the presence of posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS). From the 290 participants, initially eligible for the study, 110 patients were recruited for the first assessment and 73 patients participated in a follow-up assessment. Participants filled out following psychometric tools: the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI), the Berlin Social Support Scales (BSSS), the Mini-COPE Inventory, the Resiliency Assessment Scale (SPP-25) and the PTSD-F questionnaire. Received support and resilience were positively, whereas return to religion as coping strategy was negatively related to the PTG. Clinicians and researchers need to focus on potentially positive consequences of HIV infection, i.e. PTG, and factors that might promote it among PLWH.

Stress coping strategies, spirituality, social support and posttraumatic growth in a Polish sample of rheumatoid arthritis patients.

The aim of this study was to explore the level of posttraumatic growth (PTG) and its relationship to the level of stress coping strategies, spirituality and social support among rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients (n = 250). The level of PTG was measured by the Polish adaptation of the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory. Stress coping strategies were evaluated by the Polish adaptation of the Mini-COPE Inventory. Spirituality was measured by the Self-Description Questionnaire. Social support was assessed with the Berlin Social Support Scales. Stress coping strategies (return to religion, acceptance), spirituality and social support (need for support) were significantly related to the level of PTG among participants. Despite evidence of a beneficial relationship between PTG and the course of RA, little empirical attention has been paid to the factors associated with PTG among this patient group. Given the substantial health-related benefits associated with PTG among RA patients, it is important to further explore the phenomena of PTG among RA patients.

Gender differences in posttraumatic stress symptoms and social support in a sample of HIV-positive individuals.

The aim of the authors of the present study was to investigate gender differences in the levels of posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) and social support in a Polish sample of HIV+ men (n = 613) and women (n = 230). This was an anonymous cross-sectional study, and participation was voluntary. The research questionnaires were distributed in paper form among patients of Warsaw's Hospital for Infectious Diseases from January to October 2015. The level of PTSS was assessed using the PTSD Factorial Version Inventory. Social support was assessed using the Berlin Social Support Scales. HIV+ women scored higher on all PTSS dimensions compared to HIV+ men. HIV+ women were characterized by a higher need for support and more support actually received compared to HIV+ men. We observed a positive association between HIV infection duration and AIDS phase and the global trauma score only among HIV+ men. The moderation analysis also revealed a positive relationship between actual received support and the global trauma score among HIV+ women only. Increased clinician awareness is needed about the role of PTSS and social support among people living with HIV, especially taking gender differences into account.

Temperament, Beliefs About Pain Control, and Pain Intensity in Endometriosis Patients.

This correlational study investigated the relationships between temperament, beliefs about pain control, and pain intensity ratings in a group of 103 women diagnosed with endometriosis. Temperament traits were assessed using the Formal Characteristics of Behaviour-Temperament Inventory. Beliefs about pain control were measured using the Polish version of the Beliefs about Pain Control Questionnaire. The Numerical Rating Scale (NRS-11) was used to measure pain intensity. There was a high negative correlation between the temperament trait of endurance and pain intensity ratings. Moderate negative correlations with pain intensity were found for internal beliefs about pain control. Hierarchical multiple regression analysis indicated that the endurance trait and internal beliefs about pain control accounted for 33 % of the variance in pain intensity ratings in women with endometriosis.

Gender differences in posttraumatic stress symptoms and the level of posttraumatic growth among a Polish sample of HIV-positive individuals.

The main goal of the current study was to investigate gender differences in the relationship between the level of posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSSs) and the intensity of posttraumatic growth (PTG), treated as the explained variable, among a Polish sample of HIV-positive individuals (n = 250) while controlling for participants' ages and time since HIV diagnosis. The level of PTG was measured using the Polish adaptation of the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory. The level of PTSSs was assessed using the PTSD Factorial Version Inventory. HIV-positive women scored higher for some PTSSs (intrusion/arousal) and for a particular PTG dimension (spiritual change). In addition, the PTSSs that occurred were negatively related to the PTG level but only among HIV-positive women. Given the important health-related benefits associated with PTG among HIV-positive people, it is vital to shape competencies for effective growth promotion among these individuals, taking into account gender differences within this phenomenon.

Pain intensity, temperament traits and social support as determinants of trauma symptoms in patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis and low-back pain.

AIM: The main goal of our study was to investigate the relationship between age, duration of pain, pain intensity, temperament traits as postulated by the Regulative Theory of Temperament (RTT), social support dimensions and the level of trauma symptoms, as appear in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in a sample of 300 patients suffering from chronic pain in two groups comprised of 150 patients with a clinical diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and 150 patients with a clinical diagnosis of low-back pain (LBP). They were analyzed together as a one group of 300 patients with chronic pain. METHOD: Temperament was measured with the Formal Characteristics of Behaviour - Temperament Inventory (FCB-TI). Social support was tested with the Berlin Social Support Scales (BSSS). The Numerical Rating Scale (NRS-11) was used to measure pain intensity. The level of trauma symptoms was assessed with the Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Factorial Version Inventory (PTSDF). RESULTS: The results of our study suggest that the intensity of pain, participants' age, Emotional Reactivity and Sensory Sensitivity as temperament traits, need for support, and actually received social support were related to the level of trauma symptoms. The sum of the squared semi-partial correlations showed that all six variables (age, pain intensity, Emotional Reactivity, Sensory Sensitivity, need for support and actually received support), account for 20% of the variance of general trauma symptoms level. CONCLUSION: The importance of temperament traits, social support and trauma symptoms should be taken into an account in psychotherapy accompanying pharmacotherapy for pain.

Sex differences in trauma symptoms, body image and intensity of pain in a Polish sample of patients suffering from chronic pain.

The main goal of the current study was to investigate sex differences in the relationship between the level of trauma symptoms appearing in posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and intensity of pain in a sample of 300 Polish patients suffering from chronic pain, specifically rheumatoid arthritis and lower back pain. We also focused on participants' body image with body esteem as a mediator. To assess the intensity of pain among participants, we used the Numerical Rating Scale. The level of trauma symptoms was assessed with the PTSD Factorial Version Inventory. To measure body image among participants, we used the Body Esteem Scale. The results of our study suggest that trauma symptoms and body image dimensions were significant predictors of pain intensity among men suffering from chronic pain. Moreover, trauma symptoms and age were significant predictors of pain intensity among women suffering from chronic pain. Finally, we demonstrated that sex differentiates the reaction to chronic pain.

Temperament traits, social support, and trauma symptoms among HIV/AIDS and chronic pain patients.

The main goal of our study was to investigate and compare the relationship between temperament traits postulated by the Regulative Theory of Temperament (RTT) and social support dimensions with the level of trauma symptoms, as appear in posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), in an HIV/AIDS patient sample [HIV+ (n=182) and AIDS (n=128)] and in patients suffering from chronic pain (rheumatoid arthritis; n=150). The level of trauma symptoms was assessed with the PTSD Factorial Version Inventory (PTSD-F), temperament was measured with the Formal Characteristics of Behaviour-Temperament Inventory (FCB-TI), and social support was tested with the Berlin Social Support Scales (BSSS). Significant predictors of trauma symptoms among participants were temperament traits (emotional reactivity, perseveration, and sensory sensitivity), and social support dimensions (perceived support, need for support, support seeking, and actually received support). We also noticed significant differences between the levels of trauma symptoms, temperament, and social support between HIV/AIDS and chronic pain patients. The importance of trauma symptoms, as well as temperament traits and social support, should be taken into account in planning the forms of psychological support that should accompany pharmacotherapy for HIV/AIDS and chronic pain patients.

El objetivo fue investigar la relación entre rasgos de temperamento postulados por la Regulative Theory of Temperament (RTT) y dimensiones de apoyo social con el nivel de síntomas de trauma, como aparecen en el trastorno de estrés postraumático (TEPT), en pacientes VIH+ (n = 182) y SIDA (n = 128)] y en pacientes que sufren dolor crónico (artritis reumatoide; n = 150). El nivel de los síntomas de trauma se evaluó con el Inventario TEPT-F, el temperamento se midió con Inventario FCB-TI y el apoyo social con las Escalas BSSS. Los predictores significativos de síntomas de trauma fueron los rasgos de temperamento (reactividad emocional, perseverancia y sensibilidad sensorial) y las dimensiones de apoyo social (apoyo percibido, necesidad de apoyo, búsqueda de apoyo y apoyo real recibido). También destacan las diferencias significativas entre los niveles de síntomas de trauma, el temperamento y el apoyo social entre el grupo VIH/SIDA y pacientes con dolor crónico. La importancia de los síntomas de trauma, así como los rasgos de temperamento y el apoyo social, se deben tomar en cuenta en la planificación de las formas de apoyo psicológico que deben acompañar a la farmacoterapia para el VIH/SIDA y pacientes con dolor crónico.

The ADH gene cluster SNP rs1789891 and temperamental dimensions in patients with alcohol dependence and affective disorders.

This study had three objectives: (1) to assess the relationship between the single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs1789891 in the alcohol dehydrogenase gene cluster and alcohol dependence and affective disorders; (2) to assess the differences in the Regulative Theory of Temperament (RTT) traits between an alcohol dependent group, an affective disorders group, and a healthy group; and (3) to assess the relationship between rs1789891 and temperament traits in a healthy group, taking into account the interaction of genotype and sex. The SNP rs1789891 was genotyped in a group of 194 alcohol dependent men, aged 21 to 71 years; 137 patients with affective disorders, including 51 males and 86 females, aged 19 to 85 years; and a group of 207 healthy individuals, including 89 males and 118 females, aged 18 to 71 years. Temperament traits (briskness, perseveration, sensory sensitivity, emotional reactivity, endurance, and activity) were assessed in all groups using the Formal Characteristics of Behaviour-Temperament Inventory. The comparative analysis of genotypic frequencies showed no significant differences between patients with alcoholism or affective disorders and those in the control group. Alcohol dependent men and the affective disorder group were characterised by higher levels of emotional reactivity (p-value 1.4e-5 and 9.84e-7, respectively) and lower levels of briskness, sensory sensitivity, endurance, and activity (p-value from 3.76e-8 to 0.012) when compared to the healthy group. The rs1789891 polymorphism was associated with briskness (p = 0.02), sensory sensitivity (p = 0.036), and activity (p = 0.049). None of the results were statistically significant after Bonferroni correction.