The influence of personality traits on the wellbeing of Maltese university studies: a quantitative study

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between personality traits and health-related behaviours among Maltese university students. Based on the Five-Factor Model of personality, this study uncovered significant differences between low, medium and high levels of personality traits and their association to health-related behaviours. Data were collected from a sample of 576 students who completed a questionnaire comprising a personality inventory and wellbeing questions. The findings suggested that conscientiousness and agreeableness related to health-promoting behaviours like reduced binge drinking and drug use. Similarly, extraversion and openness related to increased fruit and vegetable consumption. However, healthdeterring behaviours were also observed. These included drinking and driving, as well as unsafe sexual practices. Neuroticism was linked to health-deterring behaviours that included lack of exercise and drug use. This study adds to the existing evidence that shows personality traits to serve as both protective and deterring factors to health. The novel findings on Maltese students’ personality-health trends reported in this paper could be used to develop health promotion strategies aimed at specific personalities.