Individual differences in self-assessed health: Gender, neuroticism and physical symptom reports

The current study utilized a path analytic strategy to examine the relationship between gender, neuroticism (N) and physical symptom reports. Trait self-focused attention and state negative affect (NA) were included as potential mediators. Results indicated that both gender and N have significant direct effects on symptom reports when considered in the same model. State NA partially mediated the relationship between N and symptom reports. Trait self-focused attention partially mediated the effects of N on symptom reports for women but not men. Findings are discussed with respect to the information processing aspects of individual differences in self-assessed health and directions for future research are suggested.