INFLUENCE OF PERSONALITY ON SEXUAL RISK BEHAVIOUR

Abstract

Sexual risk behaviours have become a significant concern among undergraduates in recent times. This study explores the influence of personality traits and gender differences on sexual risk behaviour among undergraduate students. The research made use of an ex post facto research design; the sample comprised 308 participants (undergraduates) (203 males and 105 females); their ages ranged from 15 to 39. Data was collected with the Big Five personality inventory and the protective device inventory. Six hypotheses were raised: hypotheses one to five were tested with multiple regression analysis, while hypothesis six made use of an independent t-test. The result indicated that agreeableness (β = 0.19, p < 0.05) and gender (β = 0.21, p < 0.01) significantly predict sexual risk, while extraversion (β = -0.04, p > 0.05), conscientiousness (β = -0.03, p > 0.05), neuroticism (β = -0.08, p > 0.05), and openness to experience (β = -0.01, p > 0.05) do not significantly predict sexual risk behaviour. There is a need for further research, particularly on the other variables mediating the effect of personality on sexual risk behaviour and the development of effective interventions to reduce the incidence of sexual risk behaviours among Nigerian undergraduate students.