Neuroticism facets and mortality risk in adulthood: A systematic review and narrative synthesis

ObjectiveThis systematic review sought to comprehensively summarize the research investigating the association between facets of neuroticism and mortality risk. MethodsA systematic review of prospective cohort studies utilizing rigorous reporting methods was conducted. Six electronic bibliographic databases, MEDLINE [Ovid], Embase, PsycINFO, CINAHL, Web of Science, and SCOPUS, were searched for eligible studies using keywords encompassing personality traits and mortality. Articles from inception to January 2023 were reviewed. The risk of bias was assessed using a modified Newcastle-Ottawa Scale.ResultsFive of the 2,358 identified studies met the inclusion criteria for extraction. Included studies had 333,853 participants, of whom 3.25% died. Participants ages at baseline ranged from 20 to 102, and 54% were female. Four of the five studies reported statistically significant associations between facets of neuroticism and mortality risk. Impulsiveness was found to potentially have a protective effect when controlling for demographic and health information. Conflicting findings were reported for the facets related to anxiety and vulnerability. One study found that the 'worried-vulnerable' facet was protective of mortality risk. The remaining two studies found that the vulnerability and 'pessimistic, anxious, depressive' facet was associated with mortality in models adjusted for demographic information. ConclusionsThe findings of this systematic review suggest that various facets related to neuroticism may be associated with an increased or decreased risk of mortality risk, highlighting the variability in this field. Based on the findings, recommendations are provided to improve the quality and comparability of future cohort studies focusing on personality facets and mortality risk. Keywords: Personality, Neuroticism, Facet, Mortality, Systematic Review, Big Five