EXPLORING THE PREDICTIVE ASSOCIATION OF BIG FIVE PERSONALITY TRAITS WITH PSYCHOLOGICAL DISTRESS AMONG UNDERGRADUATE UNIVERSITY STUDENTS

Abstract

The objective of this study was to assess the predictive association among the big five personality traits and psychological distress among undergraduate students. The study also explored the frequency of Psychological Distress among undergraduate students. The hypothesis of the study were a) big five personality traits would predict the level of psychological distress among undergraduate students. b) there would be a higher prevalence of psychological distress among undergraduate students c) the level of psychological distress would be higher among female undergraduate students as compared to their male counterparts.  The sample of the study consisted of 480 participants within the age range of 18-24 years from various departments of the University of Karachi. Participants were selected using purposive-convenient sampling technique. The measures used in the study were demographic form, big five inventory (John et.al, 2008) and the depression anxiety stress scale (Lovibond & Lovibond, 1995). With reference to the frequency of mental health problems, 52.70%, 67.70% and 40.62% undergraduate university students reported moderate to extreme level of depression, anxiety and stress, respectively.  Findings are reflective of significant differences between male (M=45.5, SD= 22.8) and female (M=49.8, SD= 29.7) undergraduate students on the domain of Psychological distress (t (477) = 1.959, p< .05) showing that the level of psychological distress is higher in female students as compared to male students. Regarding the predictive association among big five personality traits and psychological distress, findings reflect a significant predictive impact of agreeableness (R2= .028, F=13.7, P<.001), conscientiousness (R2= .034, F=16.7, P<.001) and neuroticism (R2= .158, F=89.8, P<.001) on psychological distress among undergraduate students. In addition agreeableness and conscientiousness were found to be negative predictors causing 2.8 % and 3.4 % variance in the scores of psychological distress respectively. Conversely, neuroticism was found to be a positive predictor of psychological distress among undergraduate students causing 15.8 % variation. However extraversion (R2= .006, F=13.7, P>.001) and openness to experience (R2= .000, F=.000, P>.001) were found to be insignificant predictors of psychological distress among undergraduate students. The finding of the study highlights the importance of personality traits and its impact on the psychological well-being of students. These finding can be utilized for effective treatment planning in the domain of student counseling.