Neuroticism and Openness as Predictors of Social Readjustment and Nightmare Distress among Middle-Aged Adults
Hira Ashiq, Saima Bano, Muhammad Adeeb, Khawer Bilal Baig, Haiqa Arshad
The critical review of social sciences studies February 19, 2026 DOI: 10.59075/hhh32813 (opens in new tab) via OpenAlex
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractNeuroticism and openness to experience predict social readjustment and nightmare distress in middle-aged adults. In a sample of 205 adults aged 35 to 60, neuroticism was positively linked to nightmare distress and negatively linked to social readjustment, while openness was positively associated with both. Social readjustment was negatively associated with nightmare distress. Regression analyses showed neuroticism as a stronger positive predictor of nightmare distress and a negative predictor of social readjustment; openness positively predicted social readjustment. The findings highlight the role of personality traits in psychological adjustment and distress during middle adulthood and suggest personality-based interventions may promote adaptive coping and emotional well-being.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Cross-sectional study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 205 |
| Population | Middle-aged adults aged 35 to 60 |
| Topics | Anxiety Dreaming |
| Keywords | Neuroticism Openness to experience Distress Personality |
| Key finding | Neuroticism positively predicted nightmare distress and negatively predicted social readjustment, while openness positively predicted both social readjustment and nightmare distress in middle-aged adults. |
Abstract
The present study examined neuroticism and openness as predictors of social readjustment and nightmare distress among middle-aged adults. A sample of 205 adults aged 35 to 60 years completed the Big Five Inventory (BFI), the Social Readjustment Rating Scale (SRRS), and the Nightmare Distress Questionnaire (NDQ). Correlational findings indicated that neuroticism was positively associated with nightmare distress and negatively associated with social readjustment. Openness was positively associated with both social readjustment and nightmare distress. Furthermore, social readjustment was negatively associated with nightmare distress. Multiple regression analyses revealed that neuroticism and openness significantly predicted nightmare distress, with neuroticism emerging as a stronger positive predictor. Similarly, neuroticism and openness significantly predicted social readjustment, with neuroticism negatively predicting social readjustment and openness positively predicting it. These findings underscore the important role of personality traits in shaping psychological adjustment and distress during middle adulthood. The study highlights the relevance of personality-based interventions to promote adaptive coping and emotional well-being in this population.