Relationship between personality traits, attachment styles and life satisfaction among adolescents

Abstract

Adolescence is an important developmental stage for every individual as it is a transition period from childhood to adulthood. Hence, many variables contribute to the feelings of life satisfaction among adolescents. It is therefore prudent to investigate what adolescents deem as important in influencing their life satisfaction. The objective of this study was to examine the relationship between personality traits, attachment styles with adolescents’ life satisfaction. A total of 315 respondents aged between 18 to 21 years old participated in this study. Three standardized instruments were used and they are: the NEO Five Factor Inventory (NEO-FFI) to measure personality, the Attachment Style Questionnaire (ASQ) and the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS). Results showed that there were significant relationships between personality traits of extraversion, openness and conscientiousness with life satisfaction. The findings also indicated significant correlations between attachment styles of confidence and relationship with life satisfaction. In addition, results showed that there were significant relationships between most of the personality traits with attachment styles. In conclusion, adolescents who were satisfied with their lives were those who have personality traits of extraversion, openness and conscientiousness and secure attachment style. These findings give important insights in understanding the well-being of adolescents.