Simple and Multiple Relationships between Big-Five Personality Dimensions and Addiction in University Students

Abstract

Background: This study aimed at investigating the simple and multiple relationships between personality traits and addic-tion potential in university students. Methods: Three hundred and forty two students were selected by cluster sampling from the Shahid Chamran University (Iran). The scales used for this descriptive study were NEO-FFI personality inventory and Iranian Addiction Potential Scale (IAPS). To analyze the data, we used descriptive and inferential statistic test via spss-13. Results: There were simple and multiple relationships between personality traits and addiction potential. Multiple regression analysis (stepwise method) showed that neuroticism, conscientiousness and agreeableness had significant multiple correla-tion with addiction potential (F=32.89, P< 0.001). The components of openness and extroversion eliminated from regression. Conclusion: Personality traits predicted addiction potential in university students. The most important suggestion of this re-search was to pay attention scientifically to personality characters as a fundamental factor of this difficulty, rather than just emphasizing on the cessation of drug or alcohol using.