Relationships between big five personality traits, socioemotional wellbeing, and mental health among higher education institutions students in Klang Valley, Malaysia

Abstract

Socioemotional well-being (SEWB) and mental health are critical aspects of students' overall well-being, influencing their academic performance and social functioning. However, limited research has explored the interplay between Big Five Personality Traits, socioemotional well-being, and mental health among Malaysian higher education students. Specifically, the study aims to (i) identify the levels of Big Five Personality Traits, socioemotional well-being, and mental health among students, (ii) determine gender differences in these psychological constructs, (iii) examine the relationship between personality traits, socioemotional well-being, and mental health, and (iv) identify key predictors of mental health. By integrating these objectives, the study seeks to provide insights into how personality traits and socioemotional factors contribute to mental health outcomes in higher education settings. A quantitative, cross-sectional research design was adopted, utilizing standardized psychological assessments to measure Big Five Personality Traits, socioemotional well-being, and mental health among 443 students from higher education institutions in Klang Valley, Malaysia. The Big Five Personality Traits Inventory which consists of 44 items was used to assess personality traits, while the Mental Health Inventory (MHI-38) with 38 items measured students' mental health status. The Socioemotional Well-being Index with 23 items was employed to evaluate students’ emotional regulation and social well-being. Descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, multiple regression, and mediation analysis (Sobel test) were performed to analyze the relationships among the variables. The results indicate a strong positive association between socioemotional well-being and mental health, with SEWB partially mediating the relationship between personality traits and mental health outcomes. Personality traits such as extraversion and conscientiousness were positively associated with higher socioemotional well-being, whereas neuroticism negatively affected both SEWB and mental health outcomes. Gender differences were observed, with female students reporting higher neuroticism and greater fluctuations in emotional well-being, while male students exhibited higher emotional control despite increased anxiety and depression levels. These findings underscore the importance of fostering socioemotional well-being as a protective factor for mental health. This research contributes to the understanding of personality and socioemotional determinants of mental health and highlights the need for targeted, gender-sensitive interventions in university settings. Keywords: Big Five Personality Traits, Socioemotional Well-being, Mental Health, Higher Education, Personality.