Neuroticism and Openness as Predictors of Social Readjustment and Nightmare Distress among Middle-Aged Adults

The present study examined neuroticism and openness as predictors of social readjustment and nightmare distress among middle-aged adults. A sample of 205 adults aged 35 to 60 years completed the Big Five Inventory (BFI), the Social Readjustment Rating Scale (SRRS), and the Nightmare Distress Questionnaire (NDQ). Correlational findings indicated that neuroticism was positively associated with nightmare distress and negatively associated with social readjustment. Openness was positively associated with both social readjustment and nightmare distress. Furthermore, social readjustment was negatively associated with nightmare distress. Multiple regression analyses revealed that neuroticism and openness significantly predicted nightmare distress, with neuroticism emerging as a stronger positive predictor. Similarly, neuroticism and openness significantly predicted social readjustment, with neuroticism negatively predicting social readjustment and openness positively predicting it. These findings underscore the important role of personality traits in shaping psychological adjustment and distress during middle adulthood. The study highlights the relevance of personality-based interventions to promote adaptive coping and emotional well-being in this population.