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The explanatory role of Eustress and Distress in the relationship between Extraversion and Depression A Cross-sectional Study

Matejek, E.T. (2019) The explanatory role of Eustress and Distress in the relationship between Extraversion and Depression A Cross-sectional Study.

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Abstract:	Objectives: This cross-sectional study investigated the mediating roles of eustress and distress in the association between the personality trait extraversion and depression. Eustress can be defined as a positive form of stress, in which the stressor is perceived by people as challenging but not as threatening. In contrast, distress describes the negative kind of stress, which results in adverse physical and mental pressure. Investigating interrelationships would help to analyze the impact of eustress and distress on people’s mental health and might give a new perspective on the qualities of extraverts. It was hypothesized that 1) extraversion correlates positively with eustress and negatively with distress and that 2) eustress and distress mediate the relationship between extraversion and depression. Methods: The sample consisted of 159 students of the University of Twente, predominantly female and German. They completed an online questionnaire involving the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) measuring eustress and distress; the Center of Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D), which measured depressive symptoms; and the Big Five Inventory (BFI; only Extraversion scale) measuring levels of the personality trait extraversion. The data were analyzed by Pearson correlation and bootstrapping by Hayes’ PROCESS SPSS macro. Conclusion: Eustress and distress display an explanatory role in the association between extraversion and depression. Further research on the matter is recommended considering extraverted people, working in a job and managing different stressors under different circumstances.
Item Type:	Essay (Bachelor)
Faculty:	BMS: Behavioural, Management and Social Sciences
Subject:	77 psychology
Programme:	Psychology BSc (56604)
Link to this item:	https://purl.utwente.nl/essays/78120
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