Personality Traits and Cognitive Emotion Regulation Strategies as Predictors of Depression, Anxiety, and Stress

Tijana LJ. Simić; Kristina M. Milutinović; Emilija U. Popović; Miljana S. Pavićević

doi:10.5937/zrffp56-64373

Tijana LJ. Simić University of Priština in Kosovska Mitrovica, Faculty of Philosophy, Department of Psychology https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1943-6782
Kristina M. Milutinović University of Priština in Kosovska Mitrovica, Faculty of Philosophy, Department of Psychology https://orcid.org/0009-0008-7116-2636
Emilija U. Popović University of Priština in Kosovska Mitrovica, Faculty of Philosophy, Department of Psychology https://orcid.org/0009-0007-1181-2230
Miljana S. Pavićević University of Priština in Kosovska Mitrovica, Faculty of Philosophy, Department of Psychology https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8685-2495

DOI: https://doi.org/10.5937/zrffp56-64373

Keywords: personality traits, cognitive emotion regulation, depression, anxiety, stress

Abstract

The aim of this study was to examine the contribution of cognitive emotion regulation strategies in predicting depression, anxiety, and stress in young adults, beyond the basic personality dimensions. The sample consisted of 173 participants aged between 18 and 40 years. The Big Five Inventory (BFI), the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21), and the Cognitive Emotion Regulation Questionnaire (CERQ) were used. Data were analyzed using hierarchical regression analyses. The results indicate that neuroticism was the strongest and most consistent predictor of depression, anxiety, and stress. Extraversion and conscientiousness emerged as significant negative predictors of depression, while conscientiousness also showed a protective role in relation to anxiety. Agreeableness was negatively associated with stress, whereas openness to experience showed a positive contribution to stress prediction. Regarding cognitive emotion regulation strategies, self-blame, catastrophizing, and blaming others were associated with higher levels of depressive symptoms, while self-blame also emerged as a significant predictor of anxiety and stress. In contrast, positive refocusing demonstrated a protective effect against depression. These findings highlight the importance of jointly considering stable personality traits and cognitive emotion regulation strategies in understanding emotional distress and emphasize their relevance for prevention and the development of targeted psychological interventions.

Author Biography

Kristina M. Milutinović, University of Priština in Kosovska Mitrovica, Faculty of Philosophy, Department of Psychology

Kristina Milutinović was born in 1998 in Kosovska Mitrovica. She completed her undergraduate and master’s studies at the Department of Psychology, Faculty of Philosophy in Pristina with temporary headquarters in Kosovska Mitrovica, graduating with a GPA of 9.5. She has been actively involved in student life, serving as President of the Student Parliament and as Student Vice-Dean. She is currently engaged as a teaching assistant at the Department of Psychology, Faculty of Philosophy in Pristina with temporary headquarters in Kosovska Mitrovica. She has received recognition for outstanding academic achievements, participated in numerous seminars and international conferences, and is the author of several scientific papers. She is also actively involved in humanitarian work and is a member of the Serbian Psychological Society.

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