The Relationship between Personality Traits and Behavioral Problems among Adolescents in Malaysia

Abstract

The increased rates of behavioral problems among adolescents are alarming in Malaysia. Previous studies indicated that individuals’ personality traits may contribute to the engagement of behavioral problems among adolescents. However, there are still limited published researches in Malaysia context. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the effect of personality traits on internalizing and externalizing behavioral problems among adolescents in Malaysia. There were 480 school-going adolescents aged between 13 to 17 years old, recruited by using multistage cluster sampling method from Selangor, Perak and Kedah states of Malaysia. Two instruments used in this study were Big Five Inventory (BFI), and Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). The results of the study showed that the higher the level of openness, conscientiousness, extraversion and agreeableness and the lower the level of neuroticism were linked to the low tendency in the engagement of internalizing and externalizing behavioral problems among adolescents in Malaysia. Regression analyses indicated that personality traits of neuroticism appeared to be the strongest predictor for both adolescents’ internalizing and externalizing behavioral problems. Findings of the study stressed the importance of understanding adolescents’ personality traits when studying on adolescents’ internalizing and externalizing behavioral problems. Hence, the provision of social skills and coping strategies among adolescents are necessary to promote better human development.