Big Five Personality Research Articles

Redefining the personality profiles of early-stage solopreneurs: A cross-sector study

AbstractThis study explores the diversity in the personality profiles of solopreneurs in high- and non-high-tech sectors during the initial business phase, driven by the need to determine whether sector-specific personality traits are crucial for entrepreneurial success. Utilizing the Big Five personality traits (BFPT), we analyze data on 4,470 solopreneurs from the IAB/ZEW Start-up Panel (2018 and 2019 waves). This study incorporates comprehensive Big Five personality, exploratory factor, cluster, and heatmap analyses. These methods reveal significant differences between solopreneurs and the general population, particularly regarding openness, conscientiousness, extraversion, agreeableness, and neuroticism. The analysis identifies three main industry sectors that reflect the range of entrepreneurial approaches. Despite sectoral diversity, Big Five profiles of entrepreneurs are homogenous, challenging the assumption that different sectors require distinct personality profiles. The findings underscore the importance of self-awareness and accurate self-perception in fostering innovation and making prudent decisions during the early stages of entrepreneurship.

The big five personality traits and eating habits among female students at Zayed University

BackgroundAdhering to healthy dietary habits is crucial for disease prevention and improving overall quality of life. Understanding how personality traits influence eating behaviors is essential for developing effective interventions aimed at promoting healthier eating habits. Personality traits are consistent behavioral patterns that individuals typically exhibit, and the Five-Factor Model (also known as the Big Five) is widely recognized as an effective framework for predicting personality traits.MethodsThis study analyzed the relationship between personality traits and eating behaviors among 425 female students using a cross-sectional design. Sociodemographic data and personality traits were assessed using an online questionnaire, while eating behaviors were evaluated with the validated Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire (TFEQ). Key aspects of eating behavior studied included cognitive restraint, disinhibition, and emotional eating. The findings provide insights into how personality characteristics may influence eating habits, offering potential implications for interventions targeting healthier eating behaviors.ResultsThe majority of participants scored highest on the personality trait of openness to experience. The study found that certain personality traits, particularly neuroticism and agreeableness, were linked to dietary habits. Specifically, personality traits were associated with emotional eating (p < 0.003), but not with cognitive restraint (p = 0.25) or disinhibition (p = 0.308). Participants with higher levels of agreeableness demonstrated significantly higher cognitive restraint (p = 0.041).ConclusionPersonality traits can influence eating habits, particularly emotional eating. However, further research is needed to identify individuals at risk for diet-related diseases and to determine the most effective intervention strategies. This study is the first of its kind conducted in the United Arab Emirates, contributing valuable insights into the relationship between personality traits and eating behaviors.

Reliability generalization meta-analysis of the internal consistency of the Big Five Inventory (BFI) by comparing BFI (44 items) and BFI-2 (60 items) versions controlling for age, sex, language factors

IntroductionThe Big Five Inventory (BFI) is a popular measure that evaluates personality on the Big-Five model. Apart from its utilization across cultures, the literature did not reveal any meta-analysis for the reliability of the different versions of the BFI and its translations. The current study carried out a reliability generalization meta-analysis (REGEMA) to establish the reliability of the BFI across cultures and languages.MethodsWe searched 30 databases for the relevant studies from 1991 to mid-November 2024. The studies that we intended to include in our meta-analysis required to have utilized the BFI (44 items) and the BFI-2 (60 items) and have reported Cronbach's alpha or McDonald's omega reliability estimates. Our coded variables included BFI version, sample size, population type, age, gender, clinical state, and reliability. A total of 57 studies (datapoints) published in 34 research articles (involving 43,715 participants; 60.24% women; Mean age = 30.08) from various cultures and languages were finally included. These studies used BFI and BFI-2 in Arabic, Chinese, Croatian, Czech, Danish, Dutch, English, French, German, Indonesian, Italian, Japanese, Malay, Norwegian, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Serbian, Spanish, Swahili, and Turkish. Data analysis was conducted using the metafor and meta packages in R. The average correlation was computed using a random-effects model and reliability coefficients indicated effect size. I2 and Cochran's Q tests were used to examine heterogeneity, with prediction intervals suggesting genuine influences around the pooled estimate. Using funnel plots, regression-based tests (e.g., Egger's regression, rank correlation), and trim-and-fill imputation, publication bias was adjusted to estimate unbiased effects.ResultsWe calculated the individual and combined reliability of the BFI and BFI-2 across languages and cultures. The results revealed the reliability of all five factors used in the BFI/BFI-2. The BFI estimates provide the following results: openness is estimated at 0.77 (95% CI: 0.75; 0.80); conscientiousness is estimated at 0.80 (95% CI: 0.78; 0.82); extraversion is also estimated at 0.80 (95% CI: 0.79; 0.82); agreeableness is estimated at 0.73 (95% CI: 0.71; 0.76); and neuroticism is estimated at 0.80 (95% CI: 0.79; 0.82). The BFI-2 estimates are as follows: openness is estimated at 0.83 (95% CI: 0.82; 0.84); conscientiousness is estimated at 0.86 (95% CI: 0.85; 0.87); extraversion is estimated at 0.85 (95% CI: 0.84; 0.86); agreeableness is also estimated at 0.80 (95% CI: 0.79; 81); and neuroticism is estimated at 0.89 (95% CI: 0.88; 0.89).ConclusionThe current meta-analysis represents the first reliability analysis of the BFI and the first comparison between its two different versions, the BFI (44 items) and the BFI-2 (60 items). The generalized reliability of both the BFI and BFI-2 were established. The findings confirm that the BFI and BFI-2 have good reliability across all five factors.

Moderating factors in psilocybin-assisted treatment affecting mood and personality: A naturalistic, open-label investigation.

Psychedelic-assisted therapy is increasingly applied within mental health treatment. This study focused on factors moderating changes in the acute and long-term effects of an individual psilocybin-assisted program on depression, anxiety, PTSD and personality structures by including demographic factors, subjective experience and degree of mystical type experiences during the dosing, as well as emotional breakthrough and personal growth after the program. At baseline, 1 week and 3 months after the psilocybin program participants completed the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Assessment (GAD-7), Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5) and NEO Five-Factor Inventory-3 (NEO-FFI-3). In addition, after the dosing the Mystical Experiences Questionnaire (MEQ-30), Posttraumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI) and Emotional Breakthrough Inventory (EBI) were administered. Moderation effects were established using linear mixed-model analysis. A single high dose of psilocybin in combination with therapy was found to lower symptoms of anxiety, depression, PTSD and neuroticism over a period of 3-months. Scores on openness and conscientiousness increased after the treatment only. Participants reported mystical type experiences, emotional breakthrough and personal growth. These subjective experiences together with demographic factors were moderating the observed positive changes. Findings indicate that individual psilocybin-assisted therapy has the potential for beneficial effects on mood and personality characteristics. Moreover, the study highlights the importance of subjective experiences and demographic factors in moderating this effect. This study adds to the ongoing research onpsilocybin-assisted therapy by investigating contributing factors for optimizing this evolving type of therapy.

Development and validation of a Malay version questionnaire for assessing risk perception of type 2 diabetes (RPDM).

The burden of type 2 diabetes is increasing globally. Risk perception of type 2 diabetes plays an important role in motivating adoption of healthy lifestyle and preventive health interventions. To address the increasing burden of type 2 diabetes in Malaysia, a better understanding on its risk perception is needed as a guide for preventive interventions. This study was aimed at developing and validating a Malay-language questionnaire to assess the risk perception of type 2 diabetes (RPDM) among Malaysians. The questionnaire (RPDM) was developed based on the Health Belief Model and previous literature. A 59-item question pool was initially developed, reviewed by experts for content validity and pretested on five respondents. Different samples were used for pilot study (n = 100) and subsequent validation study (n = 158). Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) were used to evaluate construct validity and construct reliability of the questionnaire. The EFA yielded five-factors model, including 48 items with good factor loadings of > 0.40. CFA was carried out using item parceling. The final model shows acceptable model fit and had sufficient convergent and discriminant validity. The value of construct reliability ranged between 0.76 and 0.90. This newly developed and validated Malay-language RPDM questionnaire is valid and reliable for measuring the five constructs (perceived self-efficacy, perceived severity, perceived benefit, perceived susceptibility and perceived barrier) of risk perception of type 2 diabetes among Malaysians. This Malay-language questionnaire may contribute to a better understanding of risk perception of type 2 diabetes among Malaysians, as well as enhancement of diabetes prevention communication between healthcare providers and their clients.

Associations among externalizing psychopathology, personality, and behavioral traits: Models of an externalizing spectrum in youth.

Consistent evidence has documented the cross-sectional and longitudinal associations of externalizing psychopathology with personality and behavioral traits, suggesting the presence of a broad, underlying liability to externalizing. In one of the first studies of its kind, we use a large, representative sample of youth (N = 2,245 twins and their siblings) to evaluate the evidence of an externalizing spectrum model, which includes psychopathology, personality, and behavioral traits and spans normal and pathological variation. We examine evidence for the inclusion of 15 candidate traits, from the domains of general and pathological personality, temperament, and aggression, in a model that includes dimensions of common childhood externalizing psychopathology. Using a combination of structural equation modeling and item response theory analyses, we found strong to moderate evidence for including the narcissism and impulsivity dimensions of psychopathic traits; reactive, proactive, and relational aggression; and agreeableness and conscientiousness from the five-factor model of personality. These traits were reliable indicators of the externalizing spectrum, as evidenced by their shared variance with externalizing symptoms, strong factor loadings, and high information. In addition, these traits indexed the externalizing spectrum at higher and lower levels of the latent trait relative to the symptoms alone, highlighting the value of including them. Many of our findings replicate and extend work conducted in adult samples, suggesting developmental continuity of externalizing. Broadly speaking, these findings have important implications for the conceptualization, measurement, and treatment of externalizing in youth. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved).

Self- and Observer Reports of Personality.

People's personality trait levels are often assessed by obtaining self-reports or observer (informant) reports on questionnaires (inventories). When the target person is closely acquainted with the observer-as in the case of spouses, close relatives, or close friends-several findings are obtained for full-length measures of the Big Five (Five-Factor Model) or HEXACO personality factors. First, mean scores tend to be comparable between self-reports and observer reports, although Openness to Experience tends to be higher in self-reports than in observer reports. Also, self/observer agreement (in the sense of convergent correlations) tends to be rather high, albeit somewhat lower for cooperation-related traits (HEXACO Honesty-Humility, HEXACO Agreeableness, Big Five Agreeableness) than for other traits. Finally, Openness to Experience and Honesty-Humility (and, to some extent, Big Five Agreeableness) show some degree of similarity and assumed similarity between closely acquainted persons.

Comparing Personality Traits and Resilience Among Treatment-Seeking and Treatment-avoidant Elderly with Health Anxiety Disorder

Introduction: Treatment-seeking behaviors in elderly patients can facilitate timely diagnosis and effective intervention for health issues, whereas treatment-avoidant behaviors may contribute to the progression of diseases and an increased burden of chronic conditions. Understanding the psychological factors influencing these behaviors is crucial for improving health outcomes in this population. This study aimed to compare personality traits and resilience among elderly patients with health anxiety who exhibit treatment-seeking versus treatment-avoidant behaviors. Methods: This fundamental research employed a causal-comparative design. The statistical population consisted of elderly patients with health anxiety who referred to Healthcare Centers in West Azerbaijan Province, Iran, in 2023. A sample of 60 patients was selected through convenience sampling. Data were collected using the NEO Five-Factor Inventory, the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale, and the Salkowski Health Anxiety Inventory. Hypotheses were tested using MANOVA. Results: Significant differences were observed between treatment-seeking and treatment-avoidant patients in terms of personality traits and resilience (F (2, 57) = 11.28, p < 0.05). The findings highlighted that individuals with certain personality traits and higher levels of resilience were more inclined to seek treatment. Conclusion: The study underscores the importance of considering personality traits and resilience as key factors when developing strategies for encouraging appropriate healthcare-seeking behaviors among elderly patients with health anxiety. Understanding these factors can inform tailored interventions to reduce treatment avoidance and improve overall health management.

Initial Validation of the Mandarin Translation of the Stanford Social Dimensions Scale (SSDS).

This study aimed to validate the Mandarin translation of the Stanford Social Dimensions Scale (SSDS). The initial validation sample consisted of 480 children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) (Mage = 9.35). Discriminant validity was appraised by comparing relevant SSDS scores among samples of children with ASD, typical development (TD) (N = 160, Mage = 7.16), and non-ASD but Neurodevelopmental Disorders (NDDs) (N = 170, Mage = 5.08). Confirmatory application of the Exploratory Structural Equation Modelling indicated that a five-factor model encompassing Social Motivation (SM), Social Affiliation (SA), Expressive Social Communication (ESC), Social Recognition (SR) and Unusual Approach (UA) provided adequate to excellent fit to the data in ASD group ([CFI] = .908, [TLI] = .930, [RMSEA] = .052, [SRMR] = .028). The factor loadings of most items constituting SM, SA, ESC, and SR factors were aligned with the original factor structure in the US sample, except items on the UA factor that showed lower loadings. The internal consistency was .93-.96, and test-retest reliability was .86. Discriminate validity was excellent, with the ASD group showing significantly lower scores compared to non-ASD NDDs and TD groups. Convergent and divergent validity of the SSDS was strong, as indexed by the pattern of correlations with relevant Social Responsiveness Scale, second edition (SRS-2), and Social Communication Questionnaire (SCQ) domains. This study provided preliminary validation of the Mandarin translation of the SSDS by largely replicating the original factor structure and showing evidence for strong discriminant, convergent, and divergent validity. Potential areas where further refinement and potential expansion of the SSDS are needed were identified.

Value Investing in Brazil: A Novel Application of Benjamin Graham’s Criteria to Generating Abnormal Returns

Objective: This study aimed to adapt Benjamin Graham’s criteria to the Brazilian stock market, using a ranking strategy to build winning portfolios that offer abnormal returns. Method: We have collected data from all companies traded on the stock exchange in Brazil between the 4th quarter of 1998 and the 2nd quarter of 2020. Graham’s criteria were adapted using each indicator’s quarterly median and sector-wise. We employed the Greenblatt (2006) ranking strategy in the portfolio construction. Results: We employed the five-factor asset pricing model to analyze the abnormal returns of the portfolios. Our findings indicate that portfolios formed with the adapted criteria consistently outperformed the market average. Notably, the portfolios with 10, 20, and 30 assets demonstrated superior returns compared to the Ibovespa, IBrX 100, and LFTs, with the 10-asset portfolio generating the highest Alpha. Contributions: This research advances the literature on value investing in emerging markets by adapting Benjamin Graham’s criteria to the Brazilian context using quarterly sector medians and a ranking strategy. The study demonstrates the potential for generating abnormal returns, outperforming benchmarks such as the Ibovespa and IBrX 100. It underscores the importance of periodic adjustments and sector-specific adaptations, providing valuable insights for investors applying fundamental analysis in emerging markets. These contributions bridge traditional value investing principles with the unique dynamics of emerging markets, aiding in more informed portfolio management decisions.

Going green at work: a psychometric assessment of the green innovative work behaviour scale

Purpose The purpose of this study is to examine and validate the psychometric properties of the Green Innovative Work Behaviour (G-IWB) measure, aiming to enhance its conceptualisation and reliable assessment in the context of increasing environmental awareness. Design/methodology/approach Data for this research were collected using a survey method across three distinct samples and analysed to evaluate the multidimensionality, validity and reliability of the G-IWB scale. Findings The thorough assessment of the G-IWB scale provided critical insights into its psychometric robustness. Results confirmed the reliability and validity of the G-IWB scale, featuring a correlated five-factor model and higher-order structure, encapsulating 23 items that comprehensively reflect the dimensions of G-IWB. Practical implications The findings of this study offer substantial practical value for hospitality organisations, providing a reliable tool for measuring, assessing and fostering G-IWB. This research contributes to the expanding literature on green innovation by focusing on individual behaviours and enriching theoretical models with data-driven insights for advancing sustainable practices within the hospitality sector. Originality/value This research makes a significant contribution by introducing a multidimensional psychometric tool for evaluating G-IWB. It addresses the scholarly tendency to focus on unidimensional G-IWB measurements, thereby advancing a nuanced understanding that broadens the scope of G-IWB.

Do personal recommendations need to be personalized? Investigating the relationships between student differences and educational recommendations

Educational recommender systems have been supporting personalized learning in various ways. However, less discussion is conducted about whether and how to personalize the strategies to generate recommendations based on student differences. In this study, we aim at investigating how students judge recommendations based on different strategies, and how these judgments relate to student characteristics. We conducted a large-scale questionnaire survey to measure students’ Big-Five personality traits, confidence in the subjects, and their judgments on six types of recommendations. The answers collected from 735 high school students in Japan indicate that students had different judgments across different recommendation strategies, but similarly for English and mathematics. Furthermore, the correlations between student characteristics and their judgments on recommendations were stronger if the subject to learn was inconsistent with the subject they preferred. The results provide insights on how to design educational recommendations that not only cater to students’ traits, but also help foster and enhance their traits for better learning.

Evaluating the performance of personality-based profiling in predicting physical activity

BackgroundProfiling or clustering individuals based on personality and other characteristics is a common statistical approach used in marketing, medicine, and social sciences. This approach improves data simplicity, supports the implementation of a data-driven decision-making process, and guides intervention strategies, such as personalized care. However, the clustering process involves loss of information owing to the discretization of continuous variables. Although any loss of information may be practically or pragmatically acceptable, the amount of information lost and its influence on predicting external outcomes have not yet been systematically investigated.MethodsWe assessed the accuracy of predicting physical activity using the clustering approach and compared it with the dimensional approach, where variables are used as continuous regressors. This analysis is based on survey data from a sample of 20,573 individuals regarding physical activity and psychological traits, including the Big-Five personality traits.ResultsA four-cluster solution, supported by the standard criterion for determining the number of clusters, achieved no more than 60–70% prediction accuracy of the dimensional approach employing the raw dimensional scale as explanatory variables.ConclusionThe cluster solution suggested by conventional statistical criteria may not be optimal when clusters are used to predict external outcomes.

Smartphone Addiction Reviewed from Big Five Personality in College Students

Smartphones have many advantages, but can also cause detrimental effects, namely addiction. Smartphone addiction is a behavior of dependence on smartphones which can cause various problems in students' lives. Personality traits are closely related to addictive behavior. The personality theory most used to uncover addiction is the Big Five Personality. This research aims to determine the relationship between the Big Five personality dimensions and smartphone addiction in students. This research is a quantitative correlation research. The sample in this study amounted to 325 respondents obtained using purposive sampling. Data was taken using the SAS (Smartphone Addiction Scale) and BFI (Big Five Inventory) scales. The analysis technique uses the Spearman rank test. The results show that the dimensions of conscientiousness (0.001<0.05), extraversion (0.006<0.05), and neuroticism (0.001<0.05) have a significant relationship with smartphone addiction while Openness to experience (0.175>0.05) and agreeableness (0.367>0.05) doesn't have a significant relationship with smartphone addiction in students.

Validity, Stability, and Change in Psychopathic Traits in Older Adults: A Registered Report

Despite the importance of psychopathy—a construct with robust relations with externalizing outcomes—little is known about how psychopathic traits manifest in middle-age to older adulthood. In the present investigation, we used a large and diverse sample of older adults from the St. Louis Personality and Aging Network to examine psychopathy’s nomological network and whether these traits change over four time points spanning approximately 10 years. We also explored whether these changes were associated with changes in other important constructs (e.g., physical and psychological functioning) across the same time span. Psychopathy was operationalized in two ways: (a) via the factors of the triarchic psychopathy model, Meanness, Disinhibition, and Boldness, and (b) using a more macro approach via the Five-Factor Model Psychopathy Resemblance Index. We found that (a) the nomological network of psychopathy appears to be consistent with what has been observed in samples of younger adults, (b) psychopathic traits remain stable over time as adults make the transition from midlife to later life, and (c) changes that were observed are significantly related to changes in several important outcomes, including physical health, mental health, relationship satisfaction, intimate-partner aggression, and social functioning.

Personality and interest in general practice: results from an online survey among medical students

BackgroundThe growing shortage of General Practitioners (GPs) is a Europe-wide challenge, particularly in rural areas. In Germany, the situation is worsened by an ageing workforce of GPs and insufficient training of new doctors. Many newly qualified physicians choose careers outside primary care or prefer to work part-time to balance work and family life. To address this problem, it is essential to understand the factors that influence medical students’ specialty choice, and then to take action to encourage them to specialise in General Practice (GP). In addition to medical school experiences, rural placements, or characteristics of the specialty, personality traits have been shown to influence students’ specialty decisions. A well-researched approach to assessing personality is the Five-Factor Model, which measures personality on the dimensions openness (to experience), conscientiousness, extraversion, agreeableness, and neuroticism. Using the findings about the links between students’ personalities and an increased interest in a career in General Practice may be an approach to raising the number of GPs.ObjectivesWe aimed to examine how students’ personality traits influence their interest in General Practice and their current intention to pursue General Practice as a specialty.MethodsIn March 2021, we started an ongoing online survey among medical students at the University of Würzburg and assessed cross-sectional data about the ‘Big Five’ personality traits and aspects of career choice. Until December 2022, we invited three cohorts of first-year beginners, and one cohort each of third-, fifth- and sixth-year students via email to participate in the survey. For statistical analysis, we performed linear regression and extended it into a path model to examine the relationship between students’ personality traits, their interest in General Practice, and whether they would currently choose General Practice for their future specialty. We controlled for possible confounding effects of age, gender, and current semester by using covariates.ResultsHigher levels of agreeableness and neuroticism predicted greater interest in GPs, whereas higher levels of conscientiousness and openness predicted less interest in GPs. The effects of extraversion were unclear. Age was a significant predictor of interest, with older age associated with greater interest in General Practice. Gender was not a significant predictor of interest in General Practice, and the results for semester were inconclusive. The interest in General Practice is a predictor of the intention to choose GP as a specialty. The personality dimensions show an indirect predictive effect on the intention to choose GP, mediated by interest in GP. In total, R² = 7.7% of the variance of the interest in GP was explained by the combination of personality dimensions and covariates.ConclusionOur study reveals that students’ personality traits predict their interest in General Practice and their intention to choose it as a specialty. Personality assessments can be integrated into counselling services to help students better understand their traits. Our findings highlight the great potential of considering personality in career counselling during medical education or even the extent of admission criteria to medical school by personality-related criteria.

Five-factor personality traits and functional somatic disorder: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Functional Somatic Disorders (FSD) is an umbrella term for various conditions characterized by persistent and troublesome physical symptoms, that are not better explained by other psychiatric or somatic conditions. Personality traits may play a crucial role in FSD, but the link is not fully understood. This study presents a systematic review and meta-analysis examines the relationship between the Five-Factor Model (FFM) of personality traits and FSD. The review was based on the PRISMA statement, and drew data from systematic searches in PsycInfo, PubMed, and Embase. To be eligible for inclusion, studies had to include eligible FSD groups and control groups and to assess FFM traits. Data were analyzed using random effects models. Sub-group and sensitivity analyses as well as meta-regression were used to explore the heterogeneity and robustness of findings. In total 6841 records were screened and 52 included. FSD cases scored higher on neuroticism (k=46, Hedge's g=0.72, [95% CI, 0.61: 0.83]) and lower on extraversion (k=31, g=-0.41, [-0.55:-0.28]) and agreeableness (k=15, g=-0.22, [-0.36:-0.09]) than healthy/unspecified controls. FSD cases scored higher on neuroticism (k=9, g=0.26 [0.08:0.44]) and agreeableness (k=4, g=0.43 [0.28:0.59]) than somatic controls, but did not differ on extraversion (k=6, g=-0.17 [-0.45:0.11]). No significant differences were found for conscientiousness and openness. For psychiatric controls, meta-analysis was only possible for neuroticism (k=3,= -0.61, [-1.98:0.77]). Findings displayed significant heterogeneity but no publication bias. This review reveals significant associations between FFM traits and FSD, providing insight into the etiology, classification, and management of FSD.

Associations Between Big-Five Personality Traits and Attitudes and Perception Towards Health Behaviours.

Despite efforts to promote exercise and healthy diets, global prevalence of obesity continues to rise. This pervasiveness of obesity is alarming as it is a key contributing factor of ischemic heart disease, a leading cause of death worldwide. The issue of obesity is exacerbated in Malaysia, where 50.1% of all adults were considered obese in 2020. Given the severity of the issue, the identification of alternative factors to promote exercise becomes necessary. The current study examined how personality traits are related to perceptions and behaviours towards health. A total of 401 Malaysian university students completed questionnaires which assessed their demographics, health perceptions, and health behaviours. Additionally, the Big-Five Inventory was administered to examine personality traits. Regarding personality traits and their associations to behaviours: Conscientiousness was positively associated with Exercise Adherence and Healthy Diet but negatively with Fears Related to Exercise; Neuroticism had a positive relation with Perceived Lack of Resources and Fears Related to Exercise but a negative relationship with Adherence to Exercise; Extraversion only had a negative association with Healthy Diet; Agreeableness was negatively associated with Substance Use; and lastly, Openness had a positive relationship with Adherence to Exercise but a negative association with Perceived Lack of Resources. Further exploration on the impacts of attitudes and perspectives towards exercise and healthy diets would be beneficial in identifying alternative and potentially more effective approaches in promoting healthy behaviours.

Influence of personality and psychological capital on managers’ trust in their direct–reports

Purpose: This article investigates the influence of a manager’s psychological capital (Psycap) and Personality Traits, based on the Five Factor Model (FFM), on their Propensity to Trust their direct-reports. While most literature focuses on subordinates’ trust in managers, this study explores the reverse. It stems from the need to enhance organisational performance by improving trust between managers and subordinates.Design/methodology/approach: The study uses a quantitative approach with established scales: Nyhan and Marlowe’s Trust Measurement Scale, the TIPI Scale for personality, and the Psycap Questionnaire-12. Data were primarily collected from managers in South African manufacturing firms.Findings/results: Psycap was the strongest driver of trust, showing a significant positive link to managers’ trust in direct-reports. Agreeableness and Emotional Stability show significant positive relationships with trust, though at a lower confidence level, while Conscientiousness, Extraversion, and Openness do not show significant links.Practical implications: The findings highlight the need for targeted training to improve managers’ interpersonal, emotional regulation, and trust-building skills. Performance evaluations should consider trust-building behaviours and promotion policies could be refined based on the research findings, to ensure that candidates who are suitable for leading successful teams are placed in managerial positions.Originality/value: The study contributes nuanced insights by challenging traditional perspectives on Personality Traits and Trust, emphasising the vital role of Psycap in trust propensity. The study shows that investing in employee Psycap development is crucial. Employees with higher Psycap levels tend to trust their direct-reports more, which helps build a positive organisational culture that prioritises psychological well-being.

Comparative Analysis and Reconstruction of the Fama-French Three-Factor, Five-Factor and Carhart Four-Factor Models on U.S. Consumer Discretionary Market

The stock market has been studied and analyzed by scholars and investors for a long time. This paper aims to compare the applicability of the Fama-French three-factor (FF3F), five-factor (FF5F), and Carhart four-factor models (Carhart 4F) in the U.S. consumer discretionary sector. For the market return, data is obtained from the U.S. Consumer Discretionary Sector ETF (VCR), covering a period from 2014 to 2024, comprising 120 months. Regression results indicate that the FF3F model performs the best, explaining 89.41% of the returns. Although the FF5F and Carhart 4F models show slight improvements, additional factors (WML, RMW, CMA) are statistically insignificant. A restructured model that contains market premium (Rm-Rf), size (SMB), and investment (CMA) factors is proved to be more effective, with market premium and small-cap stocks, as well as high investment firms, driving higher returns. This research provides experiential evidence on the efficacy of factor models in the U.S. consumer discretionary sector's stock market.