The Role of Mediator of Perceived Stress in the Relationship between Personality Traits and Hypertension among the Elderly

Hypertension is a psychotic disorder that, in addition to biological factors, psychological factors and stress also contribute to its development and exacerbation. To this end, the purpose of this study is to investigate the role of mediation of perceived stress in the relationship between personality traits and hypertension in the elderly. This descriptive study is correlational. The research population consisted of elderly patients with hypertension in Hazrat Rasoul Akram Hospital in Tehran. A sample of 298 people (177 women and 121 men) was selected using convenience sampling method. The tools used are The Five Factor Personality Profile (NEO) by Costa and McCrae, and Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) by Cohen, Kamarck and Mermelstein. Data analysis was performed using Structural Equation Modeling Method. The direct effect of neuroticism and perceived stress on hypertension was confirmed. Also, perceived stress played a mediocre role in the relationship between neuroticism and hypertension. The findings of this study indicate mediation of perceived stress in the relationship between neuroticism and hypertension. Therefore, stress management and effective approach in dealing with the stressors, can help prevent and control hypertension.