The role of personality traits in predicting military student's resilience

This study aimed to assess the role of personality traits (five major factors of personality) to predict military students’ resilience level. 353 randomly selected students studying at a military university in Iran took part in this correlational study. Two questionnaires were used to collect data on the research variables: NEO Five-Factor Inventory (NEO-FFI) with 60 items and Connor–Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC). Pearson correlation coefficient and multiple regression analysis were run using stepwise method. It was observed that such personality traits as Conscientiousness, Extraversion and Agreeableness were positively and significantly related with Resilience in participants. Only Neuroticism had a significant inverse relation with Resilience, with Openness to experience showing no significant relationship with Resilience. Regression analysis showed that Conscientiousness was the most powerful factor in predicting Resilience. It could predict 34% of the change in Resilience. Also Neuroticism could explain 5% of the variance in the standard variable (i.e. resilience). Totally, two predictor variables could explain 39% of the variance in resilience. Given the results, understanding the personality characteristics can help predict individuals’ resilience in stressful situations.