The relationships between personality traits and cognitive appraisal: A Scoping review

Abstract

Abstract The present study explores the relationship between trait-like characteristics and the cognitive appraisals of stressful situations. Using a scoping review approach, we assessed the role of specific personality traits, as measured in the Big Five inventory, in shaping individuals’ cognitive appraisals. Our findings reveal significant but small to medium relationships between enduring traits and cognitive appraisals. Neuroticism was positively correlated with primary appraisal but negatively correlated with secondary appraisal in all studies. Reversely, extraversion correlated negatively with primary appraisal but positively with secondary appraisal. Openness to experience was positively correlated with secondary appraisal. Agreeableness was positively correlated with primary and secondary appraisals. Lastly, Conscientiousness was negatively correlated with primary appraisal and positively correlated with secondary appraisal. These results underscore the importance of targeting modifiable personal characteristics, given the challenges of altering external circumstances. Mental health professionals may leverage these traits for intervention, recognizing their role in triggering and maintaining adaptive or maladaptive appraisals. Thus, our findings contribute to new insights into the complex interplay between personality traits and cognitive appraisals, highlighting their role in shaping how individuals navigate and cope with stress.