Personality Traits and Body Appreciation among Undergraduates in 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.