The Mediating Effects of Personality on COVID-19 Anxiety and Rumination

Abstract

The purpose of this non-experimental study (N=228) was to explore the relationship between the big five personality traits, general anxiety, COVID-19 Anxiety, and rumination. An online questionnaire consisting of 4 scales was administered to undergraduate students. Scales assessed participant’s personality traits, general anxiety, COVID-19 Anxiety, and rumination. Hypotheses were tested using Hayes Process Macro (2020). All four of the hypotheses were partially supported. Results indicated that the personality traits of extraversion and neuroticism had a significant influence on rumination and that relationship was either mediated by COVID-19 Anxiety and moderated by general anxiety. Findings also indicated a link between COVID-19 Anxiety and general anxiety on rumination.