Factors affecting adult trait Neuroticism in a nationally representative sample

Structural equation modelling showed that sex, childhood Behavioural Problems, childhood Intelligence, Malaise in early adulthood, and Occupation were all significant and independent predictors of adult trait Neuroticism. Parental social status was significantly and negatively associated with Malaise at age 23, but was not a significant predictor of trait Neuroticism at age 50 years. Education predicted Neuroticism mainly through occupation. The strongest predictor of trait Neuroticism at 50 years was Malaise measured at 23 years, with a corrected correlation of r = .42 over the 27 year period. The results suggest some underlying biological/genetic mechanism.