Effects of the Big Five personality dimensions on appraisal coping, and coping effectiveness in sport

Abstract

This study investigated the influence of The Big Five personality dimensions (Neuroticism, Extraversion, Agreeableness, Conscientiousness, and Openness to Experience) on the appraisal (intensity, control) of a self-selected stressor, coping, and perceived coping effectiveness. Participants were 482 athletes (male n = 305; female n = 177) who played a variety of sports. Results indicate that The Big Five dimensions influenced coping selection, coping effectiveness, stress intensity, and perceived control of the stressors, but not the type of self-selected stressor. In particular, Neuroticism predicted higher stressor intensity and Agreeableness lower stressor intensity. Neuroticism predicted lower perceived stressor control and Conscientiousness higher perceived stressor control. Higher levels of Neuroticism were directly and indirectly associated with more emotion and avoidance coping strategies and less problem-focused coping strategies. The other four personality dimensions were also associated with the selection of coping strategies which were perceived to be effective. This study provided support for the notion that the Big Five personality dimensions directly influence appraisal, coping, and coping effectiveness among the sample. Coping was also influenced indirectly by personality through the appraisal process. The Neuroticism dimension was found to be associated with the selection of less adaptive coping strategies and lower levels of reported coping effectiveness. The other four personality dimensions were associated with more adaptive coping strategies which were rated as effective.

Coping, Personality Traits and Social Support in Severe Burn Survivors

“…There was also an inverse correlation between the neuroticism trait and social support. The results are in accordance with those from several studies that also found that the personality is an important factor of influence on the selection and use of approach coping strategies (Endler & Parker, 1990;Kaiseler, Polman & Nicholls, 2012). Similar findings were stated by Gilboa et al (1999), who postulated that the cognitive evaluation and the response to the trauma are influenced by personality.…”

Coping strategies preferred by adolescents when managing stress in sport − pilot study

“…by Wingo et al (2015). The development of these strategies and preferences of their use by adolescent athletes can be related to the protective role of sport during the formation of personality, as it was also described by other authors (Kaiseler, Polman, & Nicholls, 2012). This result also corresponds with the findings of other authors who did research on the subject, like Gaudreau, Nicholls, & Levy (2010), who came to the conclusion in their study that athletes prefer and use differing coping strategies to deal with stress related to competitions.…”

Personality in sport: a comprehensive review

“…For instance, a recent study of British gymnasts demonstrated that conscientiousness was positively associated with athletes' quality of preparation in the lead up to competition and emotional stability was positively associated with effective coping during competition (Woodman, Zourbanos, Hardy, Beattie, & McQuillan, 2010). Other research has explored the effect of personality on psychological states such as aggressiveness (Trninić, Baranĉić, & Nazor, 2008) and coping functions (Allen, Frings, & Hunter, 2012;Allen et al, 2011;Kaiseler, Polman, & Nicholls, 2012). These studies show that athletes with low levels of agreeableness, extraversion, and/or emotional stability are more prone to aggressive behaviours, athletes with low levels of openness and/or emotional stability are more prone to using avoidance coping strategies, and athletes with high levels of conscientiousness, extraversion, and/or emotional stability are more prone to using problem-focused coping strategies.…”