Personality Traits Openness Research Articles

A volitional account of aesthetic experience

Aesthetic experience is an altered state of consciousness characterized by a detached absorption in an aesthetic object; it is a pleasant—sometimes ecstatic—liberation from the self and its agenda. I briefly review perceptual-cognitive and affective approaches used by psychologists to understand the phenomenon and suggest the need for a volitional perspective. To illustrate the nature and scope of aesthetic experience, I discuss nine varieties, elicited by different qualities in objects and evoking distinctive responses in perceivers. Over centuries, aesthetic devices have been developed that induce the aesthetic state by manipulating such psychological mechanisms as attention, appraisal, and empathy. I propose explanations for how several important devices operate, and why they are particularly effective in individuals high in the personality trait of Openness to Experience.

Transliminality – Converging Evidence of Associations With and Openness to Experience and Its Facets

Abstract: Transliminality refers to permeable mental boundaries that entail a susceptibility to, and awareness of, material from unconscious sources and the external environment. Here, we examined the extent to which transliminality is associated with the personality trait of Openness to Experience. Three samples of visitors to art galleries (total N = 770) completed measures of transliminality and Openness. Initial analyses suggested that the construct of transliminality was multidimensional, consisting of mild absorption-like experiences and more disintegrative-like experiences, respectively. Transliminality, at both manifest and latent levels, was significantly, positively, and with medium to large effect sizes associated with higher-order Openness. However, this correspondence was primarily driven by associations with three lower-order Openness facets (Fantasy, Aesthetics, and Values). These associations were replicable across all three samples and robust after accounting for participant sociodemographic variables. These convergent, internally replicating findings suggest that transliminality may lie at the end of a continuum of experiential openness.

A serial mediation model of Big 5 personality traits, emotional intelligence, and psychological capital as predictors of teachers' professional well-being

This study aimed to explore the relationship among the Big Five personality traits, emotional intelligence (EIQ), psychological capital (PsyCap), and teacher well-being (TPWB) within the context of higher education. The objective was to predict TPWB in university teachers by utilizing the Big Five personality traits and PsyCap while considering EI as a mediator. Data were collected from 708 teachers in Ethiopian higher education institutions. Participants completed the Emotional Intelligence Scale (EIS-16), Big Five Personality Inventory (BFI-10), Psychological Capital Questionnaire (PCQ-12), and Teacher Professional Well-Being Scale (TPWBS). The analysis included reliability tests, correlation analysis, validity assessment, measurement invariance, and serial mediation testing. The findings unveil a significant direct positive effect of Big Five personality traits on EIQ, PsyCap, and TPWB. Furthermore, PsyCap demonstrates a direct positive effect on TPWB. PsyCap fully mediates the relationship between the Big Five personality traits, EIQ, and TPWB, while EIQ partially mediates the relationships between the Big Five personality traits and PsyCap/TPWB, accentuating a serial mediation effect. Moreover, the personality trait of openness to experience positively predicts EIQ, PsyCap, and TPWB. Conscientiousness and agreeableness also positively predict EIQ, while extraversion directly influences PsyCap in a positive manner. However, neuroticism exerts a negative direct impact on EIQ, PsyCap, and TPWB. Additionally, emotional intelligence partially mediates the relationship between the five dimensions of the Big Five personality (openness to experience, conscientiousness, extraversion, agreeableness, and neuroticism) and TPWB. In conclusion, PsyCap fully mediates the relationship between the Big Five personality traits, EIQ, and TPWB, while EIQ partially mediates the relationships between the Big Five personality traits and PsyCap/TPWB. These findings hold significant implications for enhancing well-being among teachers.

Association between training methods and owner-reported problems behaviours in dogs enrolled in the ‘Generation Pup’ longitudinal study in the UK

This study aimed to explore factors associated with owners reporting problem behaviour in dogs. Owner-completed surveys collected as part of a longitudinal dog health/behaviour study were analysed. Owner-selected training methods were classified into four training categories on a scale from ‘Rewards only’ to ‘Aversive only’ that reflected the proportion of aversive- and rewards-based methods selected. ‘Owner-reported behaviour at 12 months’ (problem reported/ not) was modelled with logistic regression. Predictive variables included: dog/owner demographics; owner-reported behaviour at three timepoints (12/16 weeks, 6 and 9 months), the training category and change in the training category (to a more aversive/less aversive method or maintenance) at three timepoints (12/16 weeks, 9 and 12 months). The model was repeated for a subset of dogs whose owners completed a personality questionnaire (International Personality Item Pool-50). The second model included the predictive variables listed for the first model and owners’ personality scores. Dogs trained with only aversive methods were excluded (n <10). In the first model (X2=312, R2=0.33, p=<0.001, n=1130), owner-reported problem behaviour at 12 months was associated with the increased odds of: owner-reported problem behaviour at 12/16 weeks (OR=1.88, CI%1.38-2.55, p<0.001), 6 (OR= 2.19, CI%1.62-2.97, p<0.001) and 9 months (OR=6.51, CI%4.83-8.83, p<0.001) and changing to a more aversive training category between 9-12 months (compared to changing to a less aversive/ maintenance of the same category; OR=1.66, CI%1.06-2.63, p=0.029). In the second model (X2=178.4, R2=0.35, p=<0.001, n=590) owner-reported problem behaviour at 12 months was associated with increased odds of owner-reported problem behaviour at all previous timepoints (OR=1.83, CI%1.20-2.79, p<0.005; OR= 2.29, CI%1.1.49-3.51, p<0.001; OR=6.98, CI%4.61-10.70, p<0.001 for 12/16 weeks, 6 and 9 months, respectively). In this model, higher odds of owner-reported problem behaviour at 12 months were additionally associated with being a first-time owner (OR=1.93; CI%1.12-3.08, p=0.006), not seeing the dog’s mother on acquisition (OR=2.03, CI%1.12-3.68, p=0.02) and owner Openness personality trait score (OR=1.05, CI%1.01-1.09, p=0.02). The perception of deteriorating dog behaviour during the first year of a dog’s life may motivate owners to apply training with aversive components, warranting further education into the importance of consistent rewards-based training.

Cybercrime target exposure, suitability, personality, and victimization: A longitudinal approach

This study utilizes the routine activity theory as a framework to examine if workplace social media usage, compulsive internet use, online aggression and personality traits are related to an elevated risk of cybervictimization. We leveraged 7-wave longitudinal survey data from the Finnish working population (N = 650) and employed multilevel, mixed-effects logistic regression to analyze fixed effects of in-between variables. Our findings reveal that target exposure, suitability and the personality trait of openness had a positive relationship with cybervictimization. We observed fluctuations in cybervictimization across the observation points, although the temporal pattern did not follow a linear trajectory. The results underscore the importance of longitudinal studies on victimization and advocate additional research on cybervictimization within the working population. This study also emphasizes the need for the integration of established theories to augment our comprehension of the fundamental factors influencing cybervictimization.

Openness to experience predicts eye movement behavior during scene viewing

Individuals’ abilities to perform goal-directed spatial deployments of attention are distinguishable from their broader preferences for how they use spatial attention when circumstances do not compel a specific deployment strategy. Although these preferences are likely to play a major role in how we interact with the visual world during daily life, they remain relatively understudied. This exploratory study investigated two key questions about these preferences: firstly, are individuals consistent in their preferences for how they deploy their spatial attention when making shifts of attention versus adopting an attentional breadth? Secondly, which other factors are associated with these preferences? Across two experiments, we measured how participants preferred to deploy both attentional breadth (using an adapted Navon task) and eye movements (using a free-viewing task). We also measured participants’ working memory capacities (Experiment 1), and their personalities and world beliefs (Experiment 2). In both experiments, there were consistent individual differences in preference for attentional breadth and eye movement characteristics, but these two kinds of preference were unrelated to each other. Working memory capacity was not linked to these preferences. Conversely, the personality trait of Openness to Experience robustly predicted two aspects of eye movement behavior preference, such that higher levels of Openness predicted smaller saccades and shorter scan paths. This suggests that personality dimensions may predict preferences for more absorbed engagement with visual information. However, it appears that individuals’ preferences for shifts of attention during scene viewing do not necessarily relate to the breadth of attention they choose to adopt.

PERSONALITY TRAITS AND ORGANIZATIONAL SUPPORT AS PREDICTORS OF WORK-LIFE BALANCE AMONG SHOPRITE WORKERS

Personality traits and organizational support as predictors of work-life balance among shoprite workers. Work-life balance has become an emerging issue where bothorganization and employees tend to benefit. However no consistent results have been obtained using different predictors. Therefore, this study investigated personality traits and organizational support as predictors of work-life balance among workers in Shoprite in Ibadan metropolis. The study adopted a cross-sectional survey design while purposive sampling technique was used to select one superstore: Shoprite in Ibadan. Data were collected from 200 participants using three validated scales and analyzed using t-test of independent samples and multiple regressions analysis. Three hypotheses were tested and accepted at a p &lt; 0.05 level of significance. The result indicated that perceived organizational support significantly influenced work-life balance [t (198) = 2.12, p &lt;..05] among study participants. Also, the result revealed that personality traits of extraversion, agreeableness, conscientiousness, neuroticism and openness to experience jointly predicted work-life balance among workers (R2 = 0.04, F (5, 191) = 1.64, p &lt; 0.05). Furthermore, personality traits and organizational support jointly predicted work-life balance among study participants (R2 = 0.08, F (6,190) = 2.89, p &lt; 0.05). However, only perceived organizational support independently predicted work-life balance. The study concluded that personality traits and organizational support are good predictors of work-life balance among study participants. It is recommended that workers should learn self-and time-management techniques to achieve maximum

Psychological aspects of the longest, solo, unsupported one-way polar ski expedition in Antarctica by a female adventurer

IntroductionAntarctic expeditions present exceptional physiological and mental challenges. Research data are lacking on psychological aspects of such endeavours. The aim of our study is to provide data on changes in...

ILLUMINATING THE IMPACT OF PERSONALITY FACTORS AND SELF EFFICACY ON COLLEGE EDUCATORS' JOB SATISFACTION: A CORRELATION STUDY

This cross-sectional study examined the combined effects of personality factors and self-efficacy on job satisfaction among college teachers in Sargodha, Pakistan. The study, conducted with n= 300 participants, aimed to explore how personality traits openness, conscientiousness, extraversion, agreeableness and neuroticism and self-efficacy influence job satisfaction in the educational sector. Data was collected using purposive sampling and self-report measures, including the Big Five Personality Scale, self-efficacy scale and job satisfaction questionnaire. Results revealed positive correlations between extraversion, agreeableness, conscientiousness, openness, self-efficacy and job satisfaction. However, neuroticism showed no significant correlation with job satisfaction. The findings suggest that individuals with certain personality traits, such as being open-minded, cooperative and conscientious, along with high self-efficacy, are more likely to experience job satisfaction in the college teaching profession. Recommendations for education sectors include implementing activities to enhance job satisfaction by focusing on recruiting individuals with stable personalities and high self-efficacy. Additionally, efforts could be made to address gender-specific timing arrangements for teachers to promote equal opportunities and satisfaction. Limitations of the study include the small sample size, limited geographical scope and reliance on self-report measures. Future research could explore longitudinal studies and incorporate qualitative methods to complement quantitative findings. Despite these limitations, the study contributes valuable insights into the relationship between personality, self-efficacy and job satisfaction in educational settings.

Social, Demographic, and Psychological Factors Associated with Middle-Aged Mother's Vocabulary: Findings from the Millennium Cohort Study.

Based on a sample of 8271 mothers, this study explored a set of psychological and sociodemographic factors associated with their vocabulary, drawing on data from a large, nationally representative sample of children born in 2000. The dependent variable was maternal vocabulary assessed when cohort members were at fourteen years of age, and the mothers were in their mid-forties. Data were also collected when cohort members were at birth, 9 months old, and at ages 3, 7, 11 and 14 years. Correlational analysis showed that family income at birth, parent-child relationship quality at age 3, maternal educational qualifications at age 11, and maternal personality trait Openness at age 14 were significantly and positively associated with maternal vocabulary. It also showed maternal malaise at 9 months and children's behavioral adjustment at age 7, and maternal traits Neuroticism and Agreeableness at age 14 were significantly and negatively associated with maternal vocabulary. Maternal age was also significantly and positively associated with vocabulary. Regression analysis showed that maternal age, malaise, parent-child relationship quality, children's behavioral adjustment, maternal educational qualifications, and traits Openness and Agreeableness were significant predictors of maternal vocabulary, accounting for 33% of total variance. The implications and limitations are discussed.

The role of comfort, personality, and intention in smartwatch usage during sleep

The comfort of a smartwatch is recognized as a pivotal determinant affecting users’ engagement with the device. This study delved into the intricate interplay between smartwatch comfort, users’ behavioral intention, and their actual usage behavior within the specific context of sleep. Through the lens of a structural equation model, we find that the appearance and movement dimensions of comfort significantly influence users’ intention to wear the smartwatch during sleep, while other dimensions like pressure, harm, attachment, and perceived change do not show significant effects. Furthermore, this intention significantly translated into smartwatch usage behavior. Building on these insights, we subsequently embarked on an exploration of how personality traits interplay with comfort and intention to impact smartwatch usage during sleep. The moderated mediation models revealed that the personality trait of openness acts as a moderator, amplifying the relationship between smartwatch comfort and behavioral intention. Individuals with higher levels of openness exhibit increased inclination to adopt the smartwatch during sleep, even when comfort is compromised. These insights contribute to a nuanced understanding of smartwatch usage behavior and offer guidance for personalized design strategies, especially within the sleep context.

Complementary and alternative medicine use in migraine patients: results from a national patient e-survey.

This cross-sectional study aims to investigate migraineurs' preferred complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) types and the factors influencing their usage. An anonymous e-survey was distributed to Lithuanian Migraine Association members, and social media migraine support communities. The collected data consisted of demographic, migraine-related questions, personal qualities, CAM habits. 470 respondents were analyzed. 95.96% were women with a median age of 37 (IQR 31, 44). The median duration of migraine was 17.5 years (IQR 10, 25) and the median headache severity was rated 8 (IQR 7, 10) out of 10. 68.90% of participants had one or more headache days per week. 71.49% of respondents were triptan users, 27.66% used medical prophylaxis, and 17.87% used monoclonal antibodies. 52.55% of respondents used CAM in the past 12 months. Physical activity (36.17%), dietary changes/fasting (27.02%), relaxation/meditation (26.60%) were the most used CAM types. Reasons for CAM use included dissatisfaction with conventional treatment effectiveness (42.51%), concerns about safety (48.18%) and adverse effects (37.25%). Factors associated with the decision to explore CAM included longer headache duration (p = 0.017, Mann-Whitney U test), frequent sick leaves (p < 0.001, Mann-Whitney U test), current preventive medication use (p = 0.016, chi-square test), positive views on CAM safety/naturality (p = 0.001/ p < 0.001, Mann-Whitney U test), belief of having a healthy diet (p < 0.001, chi-square test), food-related worries (p = 0.011, Mann-Whitney U test) and Big-five personality trait of openness to experience (p = 0.049, chi-square test). After logistic regression, the frequent need to take sick leaves, having a healthy diet, food-associated fears maintained statistical significance. CAM use was not associated with non-adherence to conventional medicine. 48.99% of CAM consumers disclosed CAM use to their doctors. CAM is explored by a significant proportion of migraineurs, less than half communicate this to their doctors. In our sample, physical activity, dietary changes, and relaxation techniques were the most common. Many patients opted for CAM due to previously experienced side effects/ineffectiveness of conventional migraine treatment or the fear of potential harm from standard medication. Individual factors, such as openness of personality can be an important contributing factor.

HEXACO personality traits, spiritual intelligence, and views on euthanasia among medical students: a moderation analysis

The ethical dilemma of euthanasia presents a significant challenge in medical practice. The attitudes of medical students toward euthanasia can be shaped by a variety of factors, such as their personal beliefs, values, and personality traits. This study explored the intricate relationship between personality traits, as outlined by the model, and medical students’ attitudes toward euthanasia, with a particular focus on the potential moderating effect of spiritual intelligence. In this cross-sectional study, 219 medical students from Zahedan, Iran, including 85 males and 134 females, were selected in 2022 using a non-random convenience sampling method. Participants provided socio-demographic information, including age, gender, and medical degree. They were also evaluated using the spiritual intelligence self-report inventory, the 24-item brief HEXACO inventory, and the euthanasia attitude scale (EAS). Data analysis was conducted using SPSS software version 29 and included both descriptive statistics (frequency, mean, and standard deviation) and inferential statistics (independent t-test, analysis of variance, Pearson correlation coefficient, and hierarchical linear regression). The findings revealed a significant positive correlation between the personality trait of openness to experience and favorable attitudes toward euthanasia. In contrast, there was a negative correlation between EAS scores and spiritual intelligence, as well as the honesty-humility dimension of personality. Furthermore, regression analysis indicated that spiritual intelligence moderated the relationship between EAS scores and the associated personality traits. The study underscores the importance of understanding how HEXACO personality traits and spiritual intelligence influence medical students’ attitudes toward euthanasia. This insight is vital for medical educators and policymakers in creating educational programs that foster critical thinking, empathy, and ethical decision-making in future healthcare professionals. Additionally, this knowledge can guide the formulation of euthanasia policies that respect the diverse viewpoints and values within the medical community.

Occupational Preferences, Childhood Behavior, and Openness: The Role of Sex, Sexual Orientation, and Gender Identity in Iran.

Previous research suggests that both same-sex attraction and the personality trait "openness" are associated with sex-atypical preferences and behaviors. Here, we examined the links between adulthood occupational preferences, childhood play behavior, and openness among Iranian cisgender gynephilic males (n = 228), cisgender ambiphilic males (n = 48), cisgender androphilic males (n = 178), transgender androphilic males (n = 58), cisgender androphilic females (n = 226), cisgender ambiphilic females (n = 94), cisgender gynephilic females (n = 31), and transgender gynephilic females (n = 121) from Iran. Cisgender and transgender same-sex attracted males and females exhibited sex-atypical occupational preferences with the latter group showing even more sex-atypicality than the former. The personality trait openness did not differ between cisgender groups. Transgender androphilic males had a significantly higher mean score for openness compared to cisgender androphilic females and transgender gynephilic females, whereas transgender gynephilic females had a significantly lower mean score compared to cisgender androphilic males. In both males and females, childhood sex-atypicality, same-sex attraction, and openness were associated with sex-atypical occupational preferences. Our findings from Iran provides cross-cultural support for interconnectedness of childhood and adulthood sex-atypicality, openness, and same-sex attraction in males and females who are cisgender and transgender.

The Association Between Personality Traits and Substance Use Among Advanced Level Students in Western Province, Sri Lanka: A Cross-sectional Study.

While personality predominantly influences human cognition, emotion, and behavior, there is still an unresolved research gap concerning the association between personality and substance use within the Sri Lankan context. This descriptive cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the association between personality traits and substance use among advanced-level students aged over 18 in Western province, Sri Lanka, in 2023. Data collection was carried out using self-administered paper-pencil questionnaires. The study variables were measured using the brief version of the Big Five Personality Inventory and the Alcohol, Smoking, and Substance Involvement Questionnaire. Data analysis involved the use of the chi-square test and Spearman correlation. Of the 441 enrolled participants, 422 provided correct responses to the questionnaire. Among them, 154 (36.5%) reported substance use. The majority of students initiated substance use at the age of 17. The results reveal a significant association between the openness personality trait and substance use among advanced-level students in Western province. Additionally, there was a statistically significant positive correlation between the extroversion personality trait and amphetamine use among advanced-level students. The findings highlight a significant association between specific personality traits, particularly openness and extroversion, and substance use among advanced-level students in Western province, Sri Lanka. These results emphasize the significance of considering personality factors in understanding and addressing substance use behaviors among youth populations. Further research and targeted interventions are necessary to delve deeper into these associations and develop effective prevention and intervention strategies.

Personality Traits, Ideology, and Attitudes Toward LGBT People: A Scoping Review

ABSTRACT This scoping review investigates the existing literature regarding personality traits, ideology, gender roles, and attitudes toward LGBT people. The review was conducted through PubMed and Web of Science databases. After establishing inclusion- and exclusion criteria, 12 studies published between 2013 and 2023 were reviewed, three themes (personality traits, gender roles and differences, and political ideology) were identified through thematic analysis. Several of the studies reported a relation between the personality traits Openness to Experience, Agreeableness and Conscientiousness, and homo- and transnegative attitudes. In particular, lower levels of Agreeableness, high levels of Conscientiousness, and lower levels of Extraversion were related to prejudice. The Dark Triad, especially the antagonistic traits Psychopathy and Machiavellianism, had a strong association with homo- and transnegativity. Multiple studies showed a connection between negative attitudes and ideological views. Especially right-wing authoritarianism (RWA) and social dominance orientation (SDO) were strong predictors of negative attitudes toward LGBT people. The majority of the studies also reported a significant gender difference in attitudes, with men being more prone to exhibit prejudice toward LGBT people than women. There are practical implications of this review relating to interventions which may target the prevention of homo and trans-negative attitudes, promoting inclusion and integration.

The Aversive Musical Experience Scale (AMES): Measuring individual differences in the intensity of music-evoked aversion

Strongly disliked music has the capacity to evoke strong negative emotions and physical sensations—at least in some listeners. Although previous (qualitative) studies on disliked music have provided valuable descriptions of listeners’ experiences, more generalizable approaches are needed for understanding individual differences in the intensity of music-evoked aversive experiences. This study set out to explore these individual differences by developing a standardized questionnaire to measure the intensity of aversive musical experiences, the Aversive Musical Experience Scale (AMES). Furthermore, we explored the hypothesized predictors and potential underlying mechanisms (such as emotional contagion and a general sensitivity to sounds) by measuring trait emotional contagion, misophonia, tendency to experience autonomous sensory meridian responses (ASMR) and frissons, and personality. Based on the results of exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses, a final 18-item version of AMES was constructed, comprising three subscales: Sensations, Social, and Features. Misophonia and emotional contagion emerged as the strongest predictors of global AMES and its subscales. Furthermore, the personality traits of neuroticism, agreeableness, and openness to experience, as well as age and musical expertise emerged as significant predictors of at least one of the scales. The implications and limitations of the findings are discussed with respect to sound-sensitivity, music-induced emotions, and personality theory.

IJCM_406A: Association between Empathy and big five personality traits among undergraduate medical students in Mangalore

Background: Empathy in the clinical setting is associated with satisfaction among patients, compliance to therapy and much more positive clinical outcome. This study is to determine the level of empathy among undergraduate medical students, the personality traits, according to the big five model, and to assess the association between empathy and personality traits among undergraduate medical students. Methodology: It was a descriptive study carried out among Second year MBBS students of Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore. Data was collected using Jefferson Scale of Empathy (medical student version), which is a self- administrative inventory that contains 20 questions. Mini-IPIP scale was used to measure big five personality traits, which is a 20-item short form of the International Personality Item Pool Five Factor Model. The collected data was coded and entered onto statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) version 25.0. For comparison across the group Pearson coefficient was used. Results: A positive correlation was found between the level of empathy and the personality traits of agreeableness and openness among the participants at a significant level using Pearson correlation coefficient. People with more agreeableness, indicative of sympathetic and willingness to help others are proportionately empathic. It was also found that women are more neurotic than men, which infers that women are more social and assertive than men. For openness, men are more open, imaginative and creative than women. For agreeableness, men are more cooperative and concerned than women. Women scored more than men for conscientiousness. Conclusion: The study showed a statistically significant difference in the level of empathy among the two genders, with females being more empathic than males. Between the two genders, there was a statistically significant difference among the neuroticism levels, with females being more neurotic than their male counterparts. A positive correlation was found between the level of empathy and the personality traits of agreeableness and openness among the participants.

Five -Factor Model (FFM) of Personality Toward Adoption of Innovative Purchasing Indonesia Consumer Across Generation

Purpose – This paper seeks to test the impact of the five personality factors on innovative behaviour in purchasing Indonesian consumers across generations. Methodology/approach – Quantitative methods were used in this research and used survey techniques. The survey was carried out by distributing questionnaires to 1000 Indonesian consumer respondents from 34 provinces. The response rate was 878 people/questionnaire analysed. Findings – It was found that the personality traits Openness to Experience and Extraversion have a positive and significant effect on the adoption of purchasing innovations among Gen Z, Y consumers and total consumers. The Conscientiousness characteristic has a positive effect and Neuroticism has a significant negative effect on the Adoption of purchasing innovations in generation. Novelty/value – Therefore, understanding the characteristics of innovators is important for companies because this group of consumers determines the success of the diffusion of product innovation.

Personality and leadership style in generation z: A quantitative study in a higher education institution in Mexico

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to discern the combination of personality traits that most contribute to effective leadership styles in individuals belonging to Generation Z.Design/methodology/approach: We utilized a structural equation model to analyze data from 244 higher education students in Mexico. This approach allowed us to examine the relationship between personality traits, leadership styles, and perceived effectiveness.Findings: Our findings indicate that the transformational leadership style is the most impactful among Generation Z individuals. Furthermore, the personality traits of openness and conscientiousness emerged as the most influential in relation to effective leadership styles.Research limitations/implications: Despite valuable insights, limitations exist due to small sample size (n=244) from one institution, restricting generalizability. The cross-sectional nature provides a snapshot, not accounting for societal/technological shifts affecting Generation Z over time. Self-reported data may suffer from biases. The cultural context focuses solely on a Mexican educational setting. Future research calls for larger, more diverse samples across institutions/countries with longitudinal data to offer enhanced, nuanced understanding of evolving leadership and personality traits within Generation Z.Practical implications: Organizations could enhance effectiveness by fostering transformational leadership among Generation Z employees through coaching/training programs tailored for this cohort. Academically, business curricula would benefit from integrating insights on aligning leadership styles with inherent personality traits.Social Implications: Transformational leadership emergence within Generation Z may propagate leaders equipped to drive innovation, convey visionary goals, and evoke follower commitment to address pressing societal issues.Originality/value: To our knowledge, this study represents the first investigation within the Mexican context examining the interplay of personality traits, leadership styles, and effectiveness among Generation Z individuals.