Personality Traits and Body Appreciation among Undergraduates in Lead City University, Ibadan, Nigeria

Obi, Sabina Nwakaego

Department of Arts and Social Science Education (Guidance and Counselling Unit), Lead City University, Ibadan, Nigeria

Abstract

Body image which is considered a critical public health issue is observed to affect physical, mental, social, digital and spiritual wellness among young people. This is because favorable level of body appreciation among young men and women on the university campus could go a length in determining positive health behaviors and overall health. There could be link between body appreciation and personality among university students. A dearth of empirical researches in this line of inquiry limits knowledge and possible interventions in Nigeria. This study therefore, investigated the relationship between personality traits and body appreciation among 298 undergraduates of Lead City University, Ibadan, Nigeria. The Body Appreciation Scale (α = .819) and Big Five Personality Inventory (α = .783) were used to collect primary data for the study. Descriptive and inferential statistical tools were employed in data analysis. Result revealed that the correlations between personality traits and body appreciation showed: extraversion (r=-.156); agreeableness (r=.175); conscientiousness (r=.190); neuroticism (r=-232.); and openness to experience (r=.858). The researcher recommends more actions in terms of psychotherapy, counselling/guidance, advocacy and media literacy in order to sustain high level of body appreciation among university students for positive health behaviors and overall wellness.

Keywords: Personality traits, body appreciation, wellness, undergraduates in Nigeria

Impact Statement

The article is on personality traits and their relationship with body appreciation. The issues of mental health challenges among young adults especially on the university campuses is at alarming rate. Mental health issues as observed are connected to self and body image. The article fills gap in literature regarding the link personality traits has with body appreciation among university students. Many of these student may still be undergoing personality development and are exposed to the social media with a lot of social comparisons. The article contributed to knowledge in confirming that different traits of personality have different levels of relationship with body appreciation. The recommendations from the researcher will move experts in body image and mental health counselling forward in professional practice and further research.

About Author

Dr Sabina Nwakaego Obi is a Lecturer, Researcher and Counselling Psychologist in the Faculty of Education, Lead City University, Ibadan. Her research interests lie in counselling psychology, educational psychology, body image, mental health/wellness, and positive psychology. She obtained her Ph.D. in Guidance and Counselling, she bagged a First-Class Honors at her Bachelor’s Degree in Guidance and Counselling/Political Science, and a Distinctions at her Master’s Degree in Counselling Psychology (Educational Psychology and School Counselling) all from the University of Ibadan. Dr. Obi is a brilliant scholar and seasoned researcher who has published in both local and international journals. She has attended many conferences where she has presented papers. Dr. Obi is a member of the Counselling Association of Nigeria (CASSON), National Association of Pastoral Counsellors (NAPCOUN), the Positive Psychology Association of Nigeria (PoPAN) and the Nigerian Association of Educational Psychologists. She loves gardening and watching football.

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