Mental illness and personality functioning are complex interrelated. Research suggests that neuroticism and self-esteem, two commonly used personality constructs, are associated with depressive illness. However, some studies found that neuroticism was a stronger predictor of risk for major depression than was self-esteem. The aim of this presentation is to analyze the relationship between neuroticism, self-esteem, and depressive disorders using the data from the National Comorbidity Survey. The diagnostic data were coded using the criteria of DSM-III-R based on a modified version of the Diagnostic Interview. Self-esteem was assessed by an empirically abbreviated form of the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale. Neuroticism was measured using the 10-item scale from the Transparent Bipolar Inventory. Logistic regression analysis and classification and regression tree (CART) analysis were used to determine the associations between neuroticism, self-esteem, sociodemographic variables, and past-year depression disorders. Neuroticism and Self-Esteem were strongly associated with past-year depression disorders. Significant interactions between the two personality constructs and sociodemographic variables were observed. The results suggest that neuroticism and self-esteem should be evaluated simultaneously when analyzing depression disorders. The assessment of both personality constructs may contribute to further understanding of personality-depression correlation. Such knowledge might prove valuable in designing early interventions and treatment.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the presentation, the participant should have a better understanding of the relationship between the two personality constructs and depression disorders.
Keywords: Depression, Epidemiology
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Analyzes reported in this article are based on the public-use data set of the National Comorbidity Survey sponsored by NIMH and administered by the Survey Research Center of the University of Michigan.
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.