Prospective prediction of first onset of anxiety disorders in adolescent girls on personality traits- and facets-level

Abstract

Background: Past studies have suggested robust associations of neuroticism, conscientiousness and extraversion with anxiety disorders in youth and adults. But literature suggested that there were limitations of general personality traits in explaining the variance in predicting the anxiety psychopathology. Therefore, we specifically focused on the personality-anxiety disorders association arising from distinct pathways captured by personality facets. The primary aim of the current study was to prospectively examine the personality traits and facets, and risk factors associated with first lifetime onset of anxiety disorders in adolescence female. Method: A community sample of 550 adolescent females completed diagnostic interviews and personality measures. They were followed over a 36-month course (followed-up every 9 months) to re-administer the interviews to best capture their first onset episode of anxiety disorders. Results: First onsets of most anxiety disorders were predicted by high neuroticism, low conscientiousness and extraversion. First onsets of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) were uniquely predicted the neuroticism facet, anxiousness; whereas first onsets of social anxiety disorder were uniquely predicted by the extraversion facets, ascendance in particular. However, significances were only found at the trait level for the prediction of specific phobia, panic disorder, and anxiety disorder not otherwise specified (NOS). Conclusion: Although personality traits could predict the first onsets of anxiety disorders, facets are more informative in explaining the specific associations. Additionally, facets are at greater values in refining our understanding of the personality-psychopathology associations, and contributing to the development of interventions that are more precisely tailored.