Finally, there appears to be a strong negative association between conscientiousness and depression, at least in cross-sectional studies. This may appear surprising in light of the positive associations discussed below between depression and a number of other constructs that are thought to be related to conscientiousness, such as behavioral inhibition system sensitivity, harm avoidance, perfectionism, and temperamental behavioral inhibition. It is important to note, however, that these latter constructs are more strongly associated with high N/NE, and in some cases, low E/PE, than with conscientiousness (de Fruyt et al. 2000, Muris et al. 2009a, Smits & Boeck 2006). Hence, it is likely that their positive correlations with depression are driven by their shared variance with high N/NE. Unfortunately, few studies testing causal models of personality and depression have considered conscientiousness. However, evidence indicating that this trait may moderate the effects of N/NE on depression and that it increases the likelihood of subsequent adversity that could then, in turn, produce depression suggests that further research on the role of conscientiousness is warranted.
