The Association Between Personality Traits and Friendship Satisfaction among Undergraduates of Universities in Colombo District, Sri Lanka

Abstract

Background: Humans aspire to establish fulfilling friendships because the overall quality of friendship predicts psychological well-being. The quality of friendships can predict happiness, yet it can also be linked to unpleasant situations like conflict and betrayal. Many people, however, find it difficult to establish lasting and fulfilling connections. Objective: The main objective of the present study is to determine the relationship between personality traits and friendship satisfaction among undergraduates in the Colombo area. Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among undergraduates in the Colombo area. A sample of 144 undergraduates completed an online questionnaire comprising the Big Five Personality Inventory (BFI) and McGill Friendship Satisfaction Questionnaire. The linear regression analysis was carried out using SPSS version 26. Results: The sample included 93 females (64.6%), and 50 males (34.7%) aged between 20 to 40 years (Mean age - 24±2.7). The results revealed a significant correlation between extraversion (r = +0.336, p<0.001), agreeableness (r = +0.226, p=0.006), openness (r = +0.268, p=0.001), and friendship satisfaction. Out of the Big Five traits, neuroticism (r = +0.070, p = 0.404) and conscientiousness (r = +0.114, p =0.175) were not significantly correlated with friendship satisfaction. Conclusion: Findings conclude that some personality traits (extraversion, agreeableness, and openness) were correlated with friendship satisfaction.