Longitudinal development of well-being among Finnish employees during 2019-2021: Relationships with personality trait profiles

Scand J Psychol. 2023 Apr;64(2):179-193. doi: 10.1111/sjop.12868. Epub 2022 Oct 2.

Abstract

We examined well-being profiles among Finnish employees before and during the COVID-19 pandemic and their links with personality trait profiles. Longitudinal survey data were collected in 2019-2021, and 733 respondents participated in all five surveys. The data were analyzed with a person-centered approach using latent profile analysis (LPA). Measures included burnout, work engagement, psychological distress; and Big Five personality traits. Six well-being profiles: Disengaged, Declined, Engaged, Fluctuated, Stable, and Burned-out, and four personality profiles: Ordinary, Reserved, Resilient, and Overcontrolled were identified. Resilient participants typically belonged to the Engaged well-being profile and Reserved to Burned-out and Fluctuated well-being profiles. Although some separation in developmental well-being profiles existed, overall, well-being was rather stable. Personality trait profiles played a crucial role in maintaining well-being.

Keywords: Big Five; COVID-19; burnout; personality trait profiles; psychological distress; well-being; work engagement.

MeSH terms

  • Burnout, Professional* / psychology
  • COVID-19*
  • Finland
  • Humans
  • Pandemics
  • Personality