Resumo

Depression,Anxiety and Stress (DASS) are negative emotional states that can cause physical, behavioral, or psychological harm (Lovibond & Lovibond, 1995). The Big Five model has been used in research in the corporate in search of leadership with excellence and as predictor in the performance (Paleczek, Bergner & Rybnicek, 2018). Challenges are faced by individuals due to their sexual orientation (Kirby et al. 2021). The structural model advocated here contributes to the correct determination and understanding of the relationship between aspects of psychological distress and sexual orientation.

The main objective of this research is to examine the influence of personality traits on the Depression, Anxiety and Stress scale. The difference of the average levels of mental health regarding sexual orientations is also verified.

Hampson & Goldberg (2020) highlight that the five personality traits are understood as patterns of thoughts, feelings and behaviors that last over time, but changes throughout life. Depression, anxiety, and stress represent negative emotional states and can be classified as non-psychotic mental disorders (Lovibond & Lovibond, 1995). There is a need to understand the mental health behavior in relation to the participants' personality traits and sexual orientation, as the equal rights of individuals is a concern and agenda in many countries (Hadden, O'Riordan & Jackson, 2020).

Survey data were obtained from the Open-Source Psychometrics Project and were collected through an online version of the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS-42) inventory. The Ten Item Personality Inventory (TIPI) is a measure designed to measure the five major personality traits. Sexual orientation was measured from 1 to 5 and data were collected between 2017 and 2019 with participants from multiple countries (age between 19 and 70 years). The sample was to 14233 cases and used a multiple regression model with a constant, and without constant with binary and covariate variables.

The association of depression, anxiety, and stress with personality traits is significant, when considered the five traits. Thus, neuroticism is the only personality trait that is associated with increased depression and stress (remembering that neuroticism is the opposite of emotional stability). Agreeableness and neuroticism are associated with increased anxiety.

Also, it can be concluded that individuals segregated by self-reported sexual orientation tend to present different average levels of depression, anxiety and stress and this difference is significant, at least for one of the orientations. Individuals self-declared as bisexual always tend to be more vulnerable to their mental health when compared to heterosexual individuals and in some situations when compared to individuals of other orientations. This vulnerability manifests itself through higher average levels of symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress.

Hadden, L., O’Riordan, A. & Jackson, J. (2020). Shining a light on the daily occupational experiences of lesbian and gay adults’ in Ireland: applying an occupational justice lens. Irish Journal of Occupational Therapy, Vol. 48 No. 2, pp. 117-132. Lovibond, S. H., & Lovibond, P. F. (1995). Manual for the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales. (2nd. Ed.) Sydney: Psychology Foundation McCrae, R. R., & Costa, P. T. (1991). Adding Liebe und Arbeit: The full five-factor model and well-being. Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, 17(2), 227–232.