Dados do Trabalho

Título

INSOMNIA AND PERSONALITY TRAITS

Introdução

Personality traits can be considered predisposing and potential perpetuating factors of chronic insomnia. Studies based on the five-factor model of personality show that insomniacs demonstrate higher levels of neuroticism and lower levels of conscientiousness, however the existing literature on the matter is still inconclusive about which personality traits show a higher level of correlation with chronic insomnia. Identifying and analyzing the most pervasive attributes in insomniacs may help in choosing and planning the most adequate treatment to each individual patient.

Objetivo

Identifying personality traits associated with the presence of chronic insomnia.

Métodos

Participated 609 adults, ages 18-59 years (M=38.7, SD=10.6), 81,1% women and 18,9% without a college degree, divided into two groups: with insomnia (N=371, 78,2% women, M=40,1; SD=11,3) and without insomnia (N=238, 85,7% women, M=36,6 years; SD=9). Insomniacs met DSM-V diagnostic criteria for chronic insomnia and controls are healthy adults with no complaints of insomnia. Individuals with other sleep disorders were excluded. All participants completed the online version of NEO Five-Factor Inventory Revised (NEO-FFI-R) with the assistance of a psychologist. A multivariate analysis was conducted using a binary logistic regression model to assess the personality factors associated with insomnia classification. The multivariate model included age, sex, academic background (college degree/ no college degree) and the big five personality traits (Extraversion, Agreeableness, Conscientiousness, Neuroticism and Openness) as predictors of insomnia classification (insomnia/ no insomnia).

Resultados

The model was statistically significant [x² (8) = 168, p < .001] and explained approximately 21% of the variance (McFadden’s R²). We found that, holding all other constant predictor variables, the odds for insomnia classification increased by: 104% for males; 245% for people without a university degree; 7% for each additional year of age; 8% for each additional point on the Neuroticism scale; and 3% for each reduced point on the Openness scale. Data should be interpreted with caution due to the small number of male participants and of those who do not have a higher education.

Conclusões

The results corroborate previous studies showing that high scores in neuroticism and lower scores in openness are associated with the presence of insomnia.

Palavras -chave

Insomnia; Neuroticism; Personality traits.