This study examined the role of personality in the reporting of symptoms an
d illness not supported by underlying pathology. After assessment of the Bi
g Five personality factors, 276 healthy volunteers were inoculated with a c
ommon cold virus. On each of the following 5 days, objective indicators of
pathology, self-reported symptoms, and self-reported illness onset were ass
essed. Neuroticism was directly associated with reports of unfounded (witho
ut a physiological basis) symptoms in individuals at baseline and postinocu
lation in those with and without colds. Neuroticism was also indirectly ass
ociated with reports of unfounded illness through reports of more symptoms.
Openness to Experience was associated with reporting unfounded symptoms in
those with verifiable colds, whereas Conscientiousness was associated with
reporting unfounded illness in those who were not ill.