both low and high levels of Extraversion confer risk for depression in this context is particularly noteworthy as prior research on the role of low Extraversion in depression have been conflicting.(26)(54) Too often it is erroneously assumed that either high or low levels of a trait are pathogenic. The analysis of personality styles is not based on this assumption. Instead, it is consistent with the idea that high and low levels of traits can be pathogenic, and that all traits have adaptive and maladaptive consequences.(48) Third, while Neuroticism is strongly related to depression risk, many individuals who are high in Neuroticism live depression-free lives even in extreme old age, as data from this sample attest. Our findings suggest the intriguing possibility that those who live depression-free despite high levels of Neuroticism possess particular traits that serve to protect them, such as average to high Conscientiousness.
