Predictive Capacity of Anxiety on Neuroticism in Spanish Children

Abstract

Objective: To analyze the influence of anxiety on high levels of neuroticism in children. Methods: The Visual Analogue Scale for Anxiety-Revised (VAA-R) and the Big Five Questionnaire–Children version (BFQ-C) were completed by 911 primary education students aged 8 to 12 years old (M=9.53, SD=1.10). Data were analyzed by the logistic regression method and the predictive capacity of anxiety was established by the odds ratio (OR). Results: The three factors and the total score of the VAA-R positively predicted high scores in neuroticism, with OR values between 1.02 and 1.05. Conclusion: It is essential to evaluate anxiety early because of the influence that it has on the appearance of high levels of neuroticism.