The five-factor model of personality in relation to health- related behaviours among University students

Abstract

This study examined the relationships between personality traits and health-related behaviours by replicating previous studies with University of Malta students. The research questions were based on the Five-Factor Model of personality, which aimed at discovering significant differences between low, medium, and high levels of personality traits with various health-related behaviours. Besides addressing the lack of studies in the local context, these questions aimed at uncovering how the current lifestyle trends and social wellbeing could be influencing the health of students in general. A sample of students attending the University of Malta (N = 576) completed a questionnaire including a personality inventory and health-related behaviour questions. The results indicate that conscientiousness and agreeableness were related to health-promoting behaviours, such as, reduced binge drinking and drug use. Similarly, extraversion and openness were related to health-promoting behaviours, such as, increased fruit and vegetable consumption, however, a link with healthdeterring and risky behaviours was also observed, including, drinking and driving, and unsafe sexual practices. Finally, neuroticism was related to health-deterring behaviours, including, lack of exercise, and increased drug use. These findings add to the considerable amount of personality-health literature and extend the evidence that personality traits can serve as both protective and deterring factors to health. The findings from this study could be used not only to develop strategies aimed at improving the health status of individuals, but could also be replicated with other Maltese populations.