Various investigations have analyzed the effects of the coping styles we use in adverse situations and they come to the conclusion that we face challenges more or less successfully depending on the traits that make up our personality.
For example, an emotion-focused coping style that includes distancing, self-control, seeking social support, avoidance, acceptance of responsibility, and positive reappraisal will be more beneficial than coping that includes isolation, guilt, fear, and negative reappraisal. The way we manage our emotions in these difficult situations will manifest itself either in emotional stability or instability.
The importance of self-knowledge in the face of everyday challenges
Knowing ourselves has been one of the great challenges posed since ancient times ; To this end, current science has designed sophisticated personality tests perfected with precise mathematical algorithms and of course always subject to the interpretation of an expert professional.
Currently, the instruments that can help us the most in the therapy improvement process are personality tests and anxiety scales.
To measure the structure of personality, the most used model is the “five factors”, using the NE0 PI-R personality inventory (Costa and McCrae, 2008). This test is one of the most prestigious instruments for the evaluation of non-pathological personality and has become one of the most used tools in various areas. It consists of 240 questions that are answered on a scale of five response options and allows the evaluation of the five main personality factors: Neuroticism, Extraversion, Openness, Agreeableness, and Responsibility.
The five-factor model of personality traits was an important novelty in personality research and the results obtained through the tests based on this gave rise to new avenues of knowledge in personality theories.
These theories gave primary importance to the traits that make up a specific personality typology and also deal with the influence of the social and cultural environment on the evolution of the structure of the traits that define us as unique individuals.
Besides, To measure the degree of anxiety, the most used instrument is the STAI questionnaire (Spielberger, Gorsuch & Lushene, 2011).
This test evaluates two independent concepts of anxiety and consists of two sections of 20 questions each. The first analyzes anxiety as a state (A/E) and the second analyzes anxiety as a trait (A/R). It is completed with a scale with four response options for each question. The results give us information about two independent concepts of anxiety.
The first is defined as a temporary state of emotional anxiety (A/E) that depends on the circumstances at the time the test is performed. The second gives us data on a stable trait (A/R) that characterizes individuals with a tendency to perceive situations as threatening to a greater or lesser extent.
The influence of personality on coping styles
The first trait evaluated by the NEO-PIR is Neuroticism, and it defines this concept as the innate tendency to manifest emotional stability or instability Numerous investigations have studied the relationship between our personality traits and the levels of anxiety experienced. The correlations found between the Neuroticism factor and trait and state anxiety indicate that high levels in the Neuroticism factor and its corresponding facets correspond to high scores in trait and state anxiety.
People with a high Neuroticism trait will use emotion-focused coping to resolve stressful situations, which in the long run can lead to exhaustion as a consequence of continuous emotional exhaustion and appear manifested in both physical problems (infections, fatigue, pain…) and psychological problems (decay, apathy, fear, doubts…).
Other personality traits that we are interested in knowing before undergoing therapy are Agreeableness and Extroversion These personality characteristics assess interpersonal tendencies traits. High scores on these factors define a personality that is affectionate, energetic, and positive for interpersonal relationships.
Responsibility and Openness to experience, the other two characteristics that complete “the big five”, define the tendency to focus on achieving our goals and mental openness respectively.
In short, the famous motto “know yourself” can be the key to regaining the lost balance.
