Big-Five Personality Factor as Correlates of Coping Among Patients with Diabtetes Mellitus in Federal Teaching Hospital Abakaliki, Nigeria

Abstract

This study examined the role of big-five personality factor on coping among patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) in Federal Teaching Hospital Abakaliki, A total of 202 patients with DM from Federal Teaching Hospital Abakiliki were recruited. The instruments used in the study were 44-item big-five personality inventory and 30 item personal function index. The design of the study was correlational design and hierarchical multiple regression was adopted as the statistical tool to test the hypotheses.The results indicated that personality trait (big five trait) significantly predicted coping in the following manner, extroversion significantly predicted coping among the participants at β= .21; t= 17.41, P<.05, agreeableness significantly predicted coping at β= -.67; t= -11.12, P<.05. Conscientiousness significantly predicted coping at β= .22; t= 10.08, P<.05. Neuroticism significantly predicted coping at β= -.07; t= -2. 31, P<.05. Finally, openness significantly predicted coping among diabetics at β= .89; t= 13.37P<.05.

In conclusion, the findings showed that personality factor (big – five personality factors) are among the significant predictors of coping among patients with diabetes mellitus attending diabetic clinic with openness as the most potent positive predictor. Therefore psychotherapists should map out ways of boosting the personality traits of patients with diabetes mellitus through the use of psychological skills and techniques to ensure an appropriate coping