Researchers from Northwestern University in Chicago, Texas A&M University, and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign have pinpointed a set of personality traits that help people manage stress with minimal impact on mental well-being. The findings were shared in a peer‑reviewed article published in the Personality and Social Psychology Review (PSPR).
Across an extensive review of 250 prior studies, the team identified common patterns that differentiate individuals who weather tough circumstances with greater psychological resilience. The central conclusion is that mental steadiness in demanding situations tends to appear among those who are emotionally steady, conscientious, good-natured, and open to new experiences combined with extraversion. These traits appear to interact in ways that support adaptive coping and social reinforcement during challenging times.
Delving into each trait individually, the researchers explained that people who score high on extraversion often value social engagement. They derive energy from interacting with others and participate in a wider range of activities, which can enlarge the pool of available support and resources when stress levels rise. Community networks—friends, colleagues, and neighbors—play a crucial role in buffering stressful experiences and providing practical help or emotional reassurance when needed.
Emotional stability, sometimes described as low reactivity to negative events, is linked with fewer and less intense negative emotional spikes in response to stressors. Individuals with this trait tend to recover more quickly from setbacks, maintain steadier mood patterns, and experience less disruption to daily functioning under pressure.
Conscientious individuals are typically methodical planners who anticipate potential hurdles and prepare contingencies ahead of time. This forward‑thinking approach helps minimize stress and can prevent problematic scenarios from arising in the first place. When plans exist, people feel more in control, which reduces anxiety and fosters a sense of competence under pressure.
Openness to experience describes a curiosity that pushes people to explore unfamiliar situations and ideas. Open individuals are often adept at reframing problems, spotting alternative solutions, and finding positive interpretations in the face of difficulty. This flexible mindset can lessen perceived stress and turn obstacles into opportunities for growth and learning.
Finally, prosocial behavior and a positive interpersonal style contribute to favorable social outcomes. When people act with kindness and reliability, they build trust and social capital, which translates into stronger support networks and fewer social stressors. In turn, these connections create a reinforcing loop of well‑being that sustains resilience over time.
Taken together, the evidence suggests that a combination of certain personality dimensions supports resilience in the workplace and beyond. The body of work indicates that targeted strategies—such as cultivating productive social ties, planning ahead, maintaining emotional balance, and staying curious about new ideas—may help individuals manage stress more effectively and preserve mental health in demanding environments. These insights remain relevant for individuals seeking practical, evidence‑based approaches to stress management and for organizations aiming to foster healthier, more supportive work cultures. (cite: PSPR study)