Page 42 - GHES-3-3

Global Health Economics and
Sustainability
Personality and adolescent mental health

health and behavioral outcomes (Goktan et al., 2022; Kang The current review aims to synthesize the existing
et al., 2023). literature on the relationship between personality traits,
Personality traits, as conceptualized by models such mental health, and behavioral outcomes in adolescence.
as the Big Five, are relatively stable characteristics that This review will focus on the findings from longitudinal
influence how individuals perceive, react to, and interact studies that track the development of personality traits over
with their environments (Atherton et al., 2022; Bühler et al., time and their impact on mental health and behavioral
2024). During adolescence, these traits are still developing outcomes.
but have already started to crystallize, making them Through this comprehensive analysis, the review will
predictive of various outcomes later in life. For example, highlight the critical role of early personality assessment
traits such as conscientiousness and agreeableness are often in identifying adolescents at risk for developing mental
linked to positive mental health outcomes and pro-social health disorders or engaging in problematic behaviors.
behaviors, while traits such as neuroticism and impulsivity By understanding how personality traits evolve during
are associated with higher risks for internalizing symptoms adolescence, researchers and clinicians can develop
such as anxiety and depression (Han et al., 2021; Naragon- more targeted interventions aimed at fostering positive
Gainey & Simms, 2017; Yang et al., 2023). psychological development and reducing the likelihood of
The significance of personality traits in adolescence is negative outcomes.
not only limited to mental health but extends to broader 2. Theoretical background
behavioral outcomes. Sensation-seeking and impulsivity,
which are personality dimensions that may increase 2.1. Adolescent personality development
during adolescence, have been consistently associated with Personality development during adolescence is a complex
risky behaviors, such as substance use and delinquency and dynamic process influenced by both genetic and
(Canals et al., 2005; Green et al., 2023; Reniers et al., 2016). environmental factors. According to the Big Five model,
Moreover, CU traits – marked by a lack of empathy and five core traits – openness to experience, conscientiousness,
shallow emotional responses – are considered strong extraversion, agreeableness, and neuroticism – provide
predictors of antisocial behavior and psychopathy, a framework for understanding individual differences
particularly in youth (Baroncelli et al., 2018; Fontaine et al., in personality. During adolescence, these traits begin
2023; Sesso & Milone, 2022; Squillaci & Benoit, 2021). to stabilize, though they remain somewhat malleable,
Mental health problems, including anxiety, depression, and their development can be shaped by experiences,
and substance use disorders, often emerge or intensify social contexts, and life events (Bleidorn et al., 2020).
during adolescence, a period during which individuals are For instance, research has shown that while traits such
highly vulnerable to both internal and external stressors. as conscientiousness and emotional stability tend to
The link between personality traits and mental health increase over time, neuroticism can decrease, especially
is well-documented, with neuroticism being closely when adolescents are supported in coping with stress and
tied to emotional instability, anxiety, and depression emotional regulation (Doménech et al., 2024; Morken
(Goktan et al., 2022; Widiger & Oltmanns, 2017; Yang et al., 2024). However, cultural factors can also mediate
et al., 2023). Conversely, traits such as emotional stability this developmental trajectory, as adolescents in collectivist
and extraversion can serve as protective factors, helping societies may experience different pressures that influence
adolescents navigate social pressures and emotional trait development (Liu et al., 2017; Shneor et al., 2021).
challenges more effectively (Doménech et al., 2024; Liu One of the critical elements in adolescent personality
et al., 2021; Mancini et al., 2024). development is the ongoing interaction between personality
Moreover, adolescence is not just a period of traits and environmental influences. Adolescents are
vulnerability; it is also a time of opportunity for growth particularly susceptible to peer influence, family dynamics,
and development. Interventions during this phase can help and societal expectations, all of which can have a profound
shape personality traits in ways that promote resilience impact on their personality traits (Clark et al., 2023;
and mental well-being. Research has shown that traits Laursen & Veenstra, 2021). For instance, adolescents
such as conscientiousness and emotional regulation, who grow up in supportive environments are more likely
when nurtured, can lead to positive developmental to develop positive traits, such as high agreeableness and
outcomes, including improved academic performance, conscientiousness, while those exposed to chronic stress
stronger interpersonal relationships, and better overall or trauma may exhibit heightened levels of neuroticism or
life satisfaction (Furnham & Cheng, 2024; Hu et al., 2022; the development of CU traits (Van den Akker et al., 2021;
Israel et al., 2019; Shengyao et al., 2024). Zhang et al., 2021).

Volume 3 Issue 3 (2025) 34 https://doi.org/10.36922/GHES025080013