Personality and coping: A systematic review of recent literature

Abstract

This systematic review examines the relationship between personality traits and coping strategies, with an emphasis on addressing theoretical and methodological challenges highlighted in Carver's (2010) foundational work. Drawing on 75 studies published between 2010 and 2024, the review reveals consistent findings linking the Five-Factor Model (FFM) traits to specific coping domains: conscientiousness, extraversion, and openness are associated with problem-focused coping, while neuroticism is strongly linked to avoidant coping. Variability in the associations with emotion-focused coping underscores definitional and measurement inconsistencies in the coping literature. The review identifies two primary issues: a lack of a unified coping theory and inconsistent use of validated measures, with 21 distinct coping tools observed. Additionally, most studies employed cross-sectional designs, limiting conclusions about more complex relationships between personality and coping. This review highlights the need for greater cohesion and methodological rigor to advance understanding and application of personality-coping research. Recommendations include the adoption of FFM facets for greater precision, the use and measurement of personality traits outside of just the FFM, adherence to validated coping frameworks, and the use of longitudinal and experimental methods to explore causal pathways and cyclical relationships.