Abstract

Of each of the Big-Five personality traits, neuroticism is most strongly associated with poor relationship outcomes. Prior research has established a robust negative association between neuroticism and relationship quality, regardless of participant age, length of relationship, and country of origin. As so much has already been studied on the topic of neuroticism and relationship quality, the current study explores the association between neuroticism and relationship using meta-analytic methodology, and details whether Hill's seven criteria for causation have been met in the current literature thus far. After searching through databases and the references of included studies, I used 151 published studies that reported an effect size between neuroticism and relationship quality. Reported effect sizes included an overall aggregate correlation of -.222, and differentiated effect sizes for male actor and partner correlations, and female actor and partner correlations. I used two-way tests to explore if the sample country of origin, type of measure used, and whether the effect size was cross-sectional or longitudinal moderated the -.222 association. Further, I used meta-regression to test whether the length of relationship or participant age moderated the association. Results showed that sample country of origin and participant age did not moderate the association, suggesting that neuroticism and relationship quality are similarly associated regardless of where a participant was from or their age. However, longitudinal data showed a stronger negative relationship than cross-sectional data, measures of depression and anxiety demonstrated a stronger negative relationship than broad neuroticism measures, and a greater time spent in a relationship showed a weaker relationship between the two variables. Results are discussed in light of the interpersonal and intrapersonal models of neuroticism and the social exchange theory, and a model for how neuroticism operates through emotions, interpretations and behaviors is outlined. This model offers information for ways a couples' therapist could work to mitigate the association between neuroticism and relationship quality. A case for causation could not be established, so future directions for the field are delineated.

Degree

PhD

College and Department

Family, Home, and Social Sciences; Psychology

Rights

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