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State Neuroticism at Home and in Fiji: The Positive Effects of Having a Holiday to Reset Mind and Brain

Author

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  • Pauline A. Hendriksen

    (Division of Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht University, Universiteitsweg 99, 3584 CG Utrecht, The Netherlands)

  • Lizanne Arnoldy

    (Centre for Human Psychopharmacology, Swinburne University, Melbourne, VIC 3122, Australia)

  • Joris C. Verster

    (Division of Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht University, Universiteitsweg 99, 3584 CG Utrecht, The Netherlands
    Centre for Human Psychopharmacology, Swinburne University, Melbourne, VIC 3122, Australia)

Abstract

Neuroticism, i.e., the disposition to experiencing feelings of emotional distress, including anxiety, depression, and anger, is often considered a relatively stable and fundamental personality characteristic (trait neuroticism). However, the level of neuroticism can also vary within individuals (state neuroticism), depending on external factors such as life events and work stress. The aim of the current study was to examine to what extent having a holiday can reduce state neuroticism. A survey was conducted among n = 213 young adults who were on holiday in Fiji (mean ± SD age of 24.5 ± 4.3, 46.9% women). In addition to demographics, they completed the neuroticism scale of the Eysenck Personality Questionnaire—revised Short Scale (EPQ-RSS). Compared to at home, a significant reduction ( p < 0.001) in neuroticism was reported when they were on holiday (mean ± SD of 4.5 ± 3.0 versus 2.1 ± 2.3, respectively). The effect was seen in both men and women. Women had significantly higher neuroticism ratings than men, both at home (mean ± SD of 5.4 ± 2.9 versus 3.6 ± 2.9, respectively, p < 0.001) and on holiday (mean ± SD of 2.5 ± 2.4 versus 1.6 ± 2.0, respectively, p < 0.001). No significant differences were seen between individuals with a job at home or students. The correlation between neuroticism at home and the difference rating in neuroticism (‘at home’—‘in Fiji’ assessment) was highly significant (r = 0.68, p < 0.001). In conclusion, having a holiday was associated with significantly reduced levels of neuroticism. Those with the highest levels of neuroticism at home benefited the most from having a holiday.

Suggested Citation

  • Pauline A. Hendriksen & Lizanne Arnoldy & Joris C. Verster, 2022. "State Neuroticism at Home and in Fiji: The Positive Effects of Having a Holiday to Reset Mind and Brain," Tourism and Hospitality, MDPI, vol. 3(4), pages 1-7, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jtourh:v:3:y:2022:i:4:p:50-815:d:926620
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Jonas Debusscher & Joeri Hofmans & Filip De Fruyt, 2014. "The Curvilinear Relationship between State Neuroticism and Momentary Task Performance," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 9(9), pages 1-16, September.
    2. Cornelia Blank & Katharina Gatterer & Veronika Leichtfried & Doris Pollhammer & Maria Mair-Raggautz & Stefan Duschek & Egon Humpeler & Wolfgang Schobersberger, 2018. "Short Vacation Improves Stress-Level and Well-Being in German-Speaking Middle-Managers—A Randomized Controlled Trial," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 15(1), pages 1-11, January.
    3. Jessica Bloom & Sabine Geurts & Michiel Kompier, 2013. "Vacation (after-) effects on employee health and well-being, and the role of vacation activities, experiences and sleep," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 14(2), pages 613-633, April.
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