Chronic stress is associated with differences in big five personality traits

This mini narrative review synthesizes existing evidence on the association between chronic stress and the Big Five personality traits. A narrative literature search was conducted in PubMed, PsycINFO, Web of Science, and Google Scholar databases for peer-reviewed studies published between 2000 and 2024. Search terms included combinations of “personality traits”, “chronic stress”, and Big Five dimensions. After screening approximately 100 records; 31 studies met the inclusion criteria focusing on relationships between prolonged stress exposure and Big Five personality traits. The reviewed literature suggests consistent relations between chronic stress exposure and higher levels of neuroticism, as well as lower levels of openness, conscientiousness, extraversion, and agreeableness. However, most available evidence is cross-sectional, limiting causal interpretation. Longitudinal findings indicate possible trait-related variations over time, though directionality remains multifaceted and likely bidirectional. Moderating factors such as socioeconomic status, coping strategies, social support, and cultural context impact these associations. Present evidence supports significant associations between chronic stress and differences in Big Five personality traits, mostly neuroticism. Conclusions regarding persistent personality change remain tentative due to methodological limitations. More longitudinal and cross-cultural studies are required.