INFLUENCE OF BIG-FIVE PERSONALITY TRAITS ON PERCEIVED ACADEMIC STRESS AND COPING STYLES AMONG EMERGING ADULTS

Abstract

Emerging adults may face a lot of stress while trying to maintain their academics in college. The methods they choose to cope with academic stress may vary and can depend upon their personality traits. Recent studies on personality, stress and coping were reviewed and further research on this topic was necessary. This study examined the relation between the big-five personality traits, perceived academic stress, and the coping mechanisms used by emerging adults. The data collected from 203 college students through snowball sampling technique was analyzed using a correlational research design. We found that the personality traits of emerging adults had a high influence on the perceived academic stress and the coping style they adopt to handle the stress. At last, suggestions based on the findings were discussed.