Dimensions of hypochondriasis and the five-factor model of personality

Relations between dimensions of hypochondriasis assessed by the Illness Attitudes Scales and the higher-order and lower-order dimensions of the “Big Five” model of personality were examined in 309 university students. Factor analysis revealed five IAS dimensions, similar to those identified in previous studies: Fear of Illness and Death, Treatment Experience, Symptom Effects, Disease Phobia and Conviction, and Health Habits. These five IAS dimensions in turn loaded on to two higher-order factors: Health Anxiety and Health Behaviors. To help clarify the meaning of these IAS dimensions and the two higher-order factors, a series of regression analyses were conducted using the NEO-PI-R personality domains and facets. Neuroticism, and its facet of anxiety, were significant predictors of several IAS dimensions and the higher-order factor of Health Anxiety. In contrast, Conscientiousness was a significant predictor of one of the IAS dimensions and the second higher-order factor of Health Behaviors. The results suggest that some IAS dimensions are reflective of specific and core features of hypochondriasis while other IAS dimensions are generally nonspecific or too peripheral, and may in fact assess adaptive functioning. The results also suggest that previously observed negative associations between hypochondriasis and Extraversion, as well as Agreeableness, are reduced or eliminated when Neuroticism is statistically controlled.