The Relationship Between Different Types of Curiosity and Mental Health Indicators

Abstract

Background: Differences in curiosity are outlined by its influence on our behaviour, the type of information being sought, and motivation processes. Different facets of curiosity contribute to mental health indicators like depression, anxiety, and stress uniquely. These mental health indicators were found to have a significant impact on the quality of life and wellbeing. Exploring these complex relationships is essential for understanding how varying types of curiosity influence mental health outcomes. Methods: This cross-sectional study involved 160 participants who were recruited from the general population. The online survey measured four different types of curiosity (joyous exploration, deprivation sensitivity, stretching and embracing curiosity) along with mental health indicators (depression, stress, and anxiety). Additionally, participants completed an anagram task to evaluate performance under stress. Multiple regression was employed to identify relationships between these mental health indicators, while mediation analysis elucidated the connections and their impact on stress tolerance and coping efficacy. Results: Correlational analysis indicated significant positive correlations between all types of curiosity and mental health indicators, except for deprivation sensitivity. Multiple regression analysis revealed that joyous exploration and stretching curiosity are inversely associated with depression scores, while deprivation sensitivity is positively associated with depression, stress, and anxiety scores. Additionally, mediation analysis showed that coping efficacy fully mediated the relationship between stretching curiosity and depression scores and between joyous exploration and depression scores, while stress tolerance partially mediated these relationships. Conclusions: This thesis explores the multidimensional nature of curiosity and its nuanced relationship with mental health, particularly depression. It highlights the importance of consistent measurement, underscores curiosity's potential to enhance mental health, and emphasises cautious integration in clinical practice. The findings contribute theoretical and practical insights, informing future research and applications in psychology and healthcare.