Personality Traits and Financial Satisfaction: Investigation of a Hierarchical Approach

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to explore personality determinants of financial satisfaction using the Metatheoretic Model of Motivation and Personality (3M Model) as a theoretical framework. Such a framework can help researchers identify traits associated with financial satisfaction and ultimately assist practitioners working with clients on debt management and wealth building. The study used data from a survey of university alumni who had taken consumer economics and/or personal finance at the undergraduate level. Although the study’s initial, fully mediated model is fragmented, the modified model offers interesting insights into the determinants of financial satisfaction. The findings suggest that trait characteristics such as need for material resources and emotional instability affect financial satisfaction. Furthermore, the findings indicate that financial behaviors (compound traits) are related to financial situation (situational traits) and financial satisfaction (surface traits).