The relationship between neuroticism and the acute psychological stress response: Evidence from the autonomic nervous system

The study examined the relationship between neuroticism and individual psychological and physiological health, particularly by analyzing how neuroticism affected stress reactivity and recovery, serving as a potential mechanism linking neuroticism to negative health outcomes. In an observational study involving 30 healthy males (mean age = 21.43, SD = 1.10 years), we employed a standardized mental arithmetic task to induce acute psychological stress. All participants completed the Big Five Personality Neuroticism Scale, a Self-Report Stress Level Scale, and measurements of heart rate (HR) and heart rate variability (HRV). The results showed that individuals characterized by high neuroticism were significantly associated with increased stress reactivity and recovery, as evidenced by elevated low-frequency (LF) components of HRV, an increased low-frequency to high-frequency ratio (LF/HF), and greater changes in heart rate. In contrast, a negative correlation was observed with the high-frequency (HF) component of HRV in terms of stress reactivity and recovery. Nonetheless, the study did not identify a significant relationship between neuroticism and the subjective experience of emotional stress. In summary, neuroticism influences the pattern of stress response in individuals, leading to heightened physiological stress reactivity and diminished physiological stress recovery. These findings suggest that individuals with elevated neuroticism may exhibit non-adaptive physiological responses to acute psychological stress, which could further contribute to negative health outcomes.