The Relationship Between the Big Five Personality Traits with Depression : The Mediating Role of Self-esteem and Self-efficacy

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between the five major traits of personality and symptoms of depression in students, with mediating role of self-esteem and self-efficacy.

The research method was descriptive of correlational type. In order to select the sample, 400 students studying at Gonbadkavus Azad and State Universities were selected through cluster random sampling. The instruments used in this study included depression scales, five personality factors, self-esteem, and self-efficacy. Pearson correlation test and path analysis methods were used to analyze the data.

The results indicated that neuroticism as the strongest predictor of depression had a significant positive effect on it. While extraversion, agreeableness, self-esteem, and self-efficacy had a significant negative effect on depression. Also, the results of path analysis indicate that self-esteem and self-efficacy variables, simultaneously play a mediating role in predicting depression based on personality traits (extraversion, agreeableness, and neuroticism).

According to the results of the research and the mediating role of self-esteem and self-efficacy in relation to personality traits and depression, planning to promote self-esteem and self-efficacy can play an important role in reducing depression by enhancing extroversion and agreeableness and reducing psychological distress.