Neuroticism, daily hassles, and depressive symptoms: An examination of moderating and mediating effects

This study examined the relationship between the personality trait neuroticism (N) and daily hassles in the development of depressive symptoms. Seventy-seven college freshmen completed self-report measures of N, daily hassles, and depression at 3 time points during the academic year. Models of moderation and mediation among N, hassles, and depressive symptoms were examined using regression analysis. High-N individuals were more likely than low-N individuals to develop depressive symptoms under exposure to hassles. Additionally, daily hassles partially mediated the relationship between N and depressive symptoms. Taken together the results of this study indicate that (a) high levels of N exacerbate the effect of daily hassles on the development of depressive symptoms, and (b) a portion of the effect of N on depressive symptoms may be attributed to differential exposure to daily hassles.