Impact of Personality Traits on Information Literacy During Crisis

Abstract

Information from multiple sources can lead to information overload, provoking negative psychological and behavioural reactions. During crisis situations, questions about information behaviour become particularly relevant, as the changes in people’s behaviour are explored. When analysing the issue of people’s informational behaviour in crisis situations, attention is also paid to the influence of personality traits on the choice of information search strategy and trajectory. The purpose of the study was to identify and appraise studies investigating the relationship between the Big Five personality traits (BFPT) and information-seeking behaviour (ISB). The systematic review of foreign literature revealed that neurotics deliberately avoided information that ‘threatens’ their feelings of happiness and well-being. High levels of extraversion, agreeableness, conscientiousness, and openness predict greater achievement when working with information. Unfortunately, none or the recent researches take an in-depth look at the issue regarding ISB during crises and its potential conjunction with BFPT. The literature review would potentially help to develop further studies and fill the gap.