Personality Profile of Individuals with Vasovagal (BII) Phobia: A Descriptive Study Based on the Big Five Model

Vasovagal phobia, or blood-injection-injury (BII) phobia, is a specific anxiety disorder associated with fear of blood, injections, and medical procedures. Its distinctive feature is a biphasic autonomic response: initial sympathetic activation is followed by pronounced parasympathetic inhibition, which may result in syncope. This mechanism distinguishes BII phobia from most other specific phobias. Despite its prevalence (3–4%) and significant consequences — including avoidance of medical settings and refusal of preventive procedures — the personality profile of this group remains insufficiently studied. Most existing research examines personality traits as predictors of anxiety disorders in general, without addressing the specific features of BII phobia. The aim of the present study was to describe the personality characteristics of women with subjectively perceived BII symptomatology using the Big Five model. A quantitative descriptive design was applied. The sample consisted exclusively of women (N = 47, age 25–45) recruited online on the basis of subjectively perceived fear of vasovagal reactions or syncope in typical BII-related situations lasting at least six months. Personality traits were assessed with the NEO-FFI questionnaire across five dimensions: neuroticism, extraversion, openness to experience, agreeableness, and conscientiousness. Results are reported in stanine scores. The findings revealed a stable profile characterized by high neuroticism, reduced extraversion, and high agreeableness, with moderate levels of openness to experience and conscientiousness. High neuroticism is consistent with catastrophic interpretations of bodily sensations and increased interoceptive vigilance. The combination of reduced extraversion and high agreeableness may be particularly relevant for BII phobia, as it may heighten the salience of situations in which syncope could occur publicly. The results are descriptive and preliminary; the generalizability of findings is limited to women and requires verification on clinically verified samples including male participants. This study may serve as a basis for future comparative research with control groups.