The relationship between neuroticism and health outcomes : the effects of vigilance and conscientiousness

Abstract

The effect of neuroticism on health has been debated throughout health research. Many studies indicate negative effects of neuroticism finding it to be related to risky health behaviours, worse self-rated health, somatic complaints and higher mortality. However, there has been the proposal of healthy neuroticism in that when combined with vigilance or conscientiousness, neuroticism may result in better health. The present research recruited two samples; a New Zealand sample (N = 336) and a United States sample (N = 199), to complete an online survey about their personality, health status and a body vigilance questionnaire, including two vigilance factors, sensation awareness belief and change awareness belief. Mediation, moderation and moderated mediation analyses were conducted for both samples. The New Zealand sample found one mediation effect which suggested that higher neuroticism is related to higher sensation awareness belief, which in turn is related to poorer physical health and one significant moderation effect where conscientiousness moderated the relationship between neuroticism and mental health. The United States sample found two mediation effects which suggested that higher neuroticism is related to higher sensation awareness belief, which in turn is related to poorer mental health and poorer sleep and one significant moderation effect where conscientiousness moderated the relationship between neuroticism and physical health. No significant moderated mediation effects were found for either sample. Limitations, implications and future directions are discussed.