Costantini G, Di Sarno M, Preti E, Richetin J, Perugini M. Personality in a naturally occurring strong situation: Unique effects of HEXACO traits on COVID-19 mitigation.
Acta Psychol (Amst) 2022;
224:103529. [PMID:
35151956 PMCID:
PMC8828359 DOI:
10.1016/j.actpsy.2022.103529]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2021] [Revised: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 02/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The first Italian lockdown during COVID-19 pandemic constituted an example of strong situation. Under this context, we investigated associations of HEXACO personality with COVID-19 mitigation behaviors (self-reported hygiene, distancing, going out). We tested unique associations through regularized regressions and out-of-sample prediction after establishing the best level of analysis (HEXACO traits, facets, items). Personality always explained out-of-sample variance over and above demographics, COVID-related knowledge, concern, impacts, and goals. Hygiene and distancing were best predicted by HEXACO traits, whereas facets constituted the best level for the prediction of going out. In general, honesty-humility (trait or facets) was the clearest predictor of safer behaviors. Results corroborate the relevance of personality even in strong situations, as well as its importance for COVID-19 mitigation.
Collapse