Abstract

Type D personality have been explored by a number of research studies all over the world.The aim of the current study was to explore the association of Type D personality with an individuals’ health behaviours and psychosomatic symptoms, during COVID -19 pandemic. The study also investigated most significant predictor of health behaviours and psychosomatic symptoms among young adults. In the current cross-sectional study, a sample of 355 (229 females &126 males) participants (mean age=22 years) was selected. Type D personality was assessed with Distress Scale-14. Whereashealth behaviours and psychosomatic symptoms were measured with General PreventiveHealth Behaviours Checklist and Psychosomatic Symptoms Scale respectively. Results showedthat 69% of the participants were identified with Type D personality. A significant relationship was identified between Type D personality, health behaviours andpsychosomaticsymptoms among young adults. Furthermore, Type D personality was identified as the most significant predictor of health behaviours and psychosomatic symptoms after controlling for demographic variables. It was suggested that future studies may use longitudinal design to identify the stability of type D personality traits over longer period of time, andcausal relationship between type D personality, health behaviours, and psychosomatic symptoms during pandemic .The study has its implications for mental health professional in screening and management of type D personality traits and its adverse impact on health behaviours and psychosomatic symptoms among young adults during COVID-19 pandemic.

Key words: Type D personality, health behaviours, psychosomatic symptoms, COVID -19, pandemic