Prediction of Emotional Disorders Based on Neuroticism with Emotion Regulation, Experiential Avoidance, and Repetitive Negative Thinking

Abstract

Background: Emotional disorders are common and recurring mental conditions that can severely affect individuals and have long-term economic consequences for society. Objectives: This study aimed to predict emotional disorders, using neuroticism, emotion regulation, experiential avoidance (EA), and repetitive negative thinking as predictors. Patients and Methods: The study included a sample of 414 patients diagnosed with emotional disorders residing in Tehran. Participants were selected through convenience sampling. Data were collected using the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS), Negative Repetitive Thoughts Questionnaire (NRTQ), Experiential Avoidance Questionnaire (EAQ), Inventory of Depression and Anxiety Symptoms (IDAS), and NEO Personality Questionnaire (NEO FFI). Structural equation modeling, analyzed with SPSS-22 and AMOS-24 software, was employed for data analysis. Results: Neuroticism significantly predicted negative emotional regulation, EA, emotional disorders, and repetitive negative thoughts (P < 0.001). The coefficient of determination for emotional disorders was calculated as 0.73, indicating that 73% of the variance in emotional disorders can be explained by the predictor variables (neuroticism, emotional regulation, negative repetitive thoughts, and EA). Conclusions: Therefore, it is essential to consider the influence of personality and psychological factors on the inclination toward disorders. The findings of this study offer valuable insights for the development of culturally sensitive, contextually relevant, and psychosocially oriented prevention and treatment programs for emotional disorders using an integrated approach.