*3.3. The Role of Stable Psychological Traits in Predicting Perceived Stress*

To better understand the role of stable psychological traits in predicting the level of perceived stress (PSS-10 score), a second multiple linear regression was run, adding to the previous model the scores of the five coping styles measured by the COPE-NVI-25 (COPE positive, COPE problem, COPE avoidance, COPE religion and COPE support), the BSCS total score, the internal LOC score, and the scores for the five personality traits measured by the BFI-10 (BFI-10 agreeableness, BFI-10 conscientiousness, BFI-10 emotional stability, BFI-10 extraversion and BFI-10 openness). This second model accounted for a larger proportion of the variance in the level of perceived stress (*R*<sup>2</sup> = 0.356, adjusted *R*<sup>2</sup> = 0.352, *F*-change(1,2022) = 5.908, *p* < 0.05) compared to the previous model. BFI-10 emotional stability, COPE positive, age, BCSC total score, gender (male), COPE avoidance, internal LOC, number of family members, COPE support, monthly income, and BFI-10 conscientiousness were identified as significant predictors of the level of perceived stress during the COVID-19 epidemic (see Table 2). Education, COPE religion, COPE problem solving, BFI-10 agreeableness, BFI-10 extraversion and BFI-10 openness were excluded.

**Table 2.** Multiple Linear Regression Model Predicting the Level of Perceived Stress Based on Sociodemographic Variables and Stable Psychological Traits.


Note: RMSE = 5.57. ANOVA F(12,2022) = 101.49, *p* < 0.001. BFI-10 = 10-item Big Five Inventory; COPE = Coping Orientations to the Problems Experienced; BSCS = Brief Self-Control Scale; LOC = Locus of Control.
