Exploring the link between neuroticism, depression and anxiety: the mediating role of death anxiety

Abstract Given the burden of depression and anxiety, it is crucial to investigate the factors that may play a role in emergence and maintenance of the symptoms. Death anxiety has been proposed as a transdiagnostic factor and empirical data suggests an intricate relationship between death anxiety and psychopathology. While the role of neuroticism in disorders such as depression and anxiety is well established, this paper sought to investigate the role death anxiety plays in the relationship between neuroticism and symptoms of depression and anxiety, hypothesizing a mediation effect. 482 participants completed death anxiety, depression, anxiety and neuroticism measures. Results confirmed a mediation effect in the case of anxiety symptoms, but not in the case of depression symptoms. However, the mediation effect was partial and small. Future studies need to include clinical samples and employ longitudinal designs to test for causality.