Understanding Culture through Personality: From the World of a Thai University

Abstract

This quantitative research studies the personality of Mahasarakham University students in order to prepare instruction in the subjects relating to personality and social etiquette for leadership in the University's revised curriculum, and to promote personality and identity development in accordance with Mahasarakham University's policy on desirable characteristics of graduated students. The data was collected using a self-report questionnaire completed by years 1-5 students from 18 faculties in 96 majors totaling 6117 persons. This study was carried out using Self theory (Roger, 1959), Maslow's theory, and the conceptual framework of students’ personality development policy as related to Thai culture and behavior according to Ruth Benedict's (1970) concept. The research findings were discussed in terms of the students’ physical, intellectual and emotional personalities. The research found that the mean of all three aspects was at the high level. The physical, intellectual, and emotional readiness of the students was expressed as personalities, and the physical and emotional personalities were relevant and in accordance with each other. Students expressed themselves in terms of intellect and, when comparing male and female students’ opinions, it was found that the intellectual and emotional personalities of male students were at a higher level, whereas female students had a higher level of physical personality.