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Understanding Self-Reflection Through Personality : An Investigation of Traits and Individual Differences
Adelberg, B.J. (2025) Understanding Self-Reflection Through Personality : An Investigation of Traits and Individual Differences.
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| Abstract: | This study investigates the relationship between personality traits and self-reflective thinking, and to what extent this relationship is shaped by contextual and demographic factors. The predictive role of the Big Five traits was examined across three subdimensions of self-reflection: Need for Self-Reflection (NSR), Engagement in Self-Reflection (ESR), and Insight (ISR). Data from 158 participants were analysed using hierarchical regression and moderation analysis. Openness to Experience emerged as the most consistent predictor across all three subdimensions, highlighting its links to cognitive flexibility and self-exploration. Neuroticism predicted both NSR and ESR positively but was negatively associated with ISR, suggesting a dual role in promoting reflective effort while hindering clarity. Conscientiousness and Extraversion showed weaker or subdimension-specific effects. Of six tested moderators – age, educational background, emotional disclosure, sexual orientation, therapeutic experience, and major life events – only age and education moderated the relationship between Openness and NSR. No significant moderation effects were found for ESR or ISR. These findings indicate that while personality plays a central role in shaping self-reflective tendencies, some aspects of reflection may be more trait-like and stable, while others remain sensitive to experience. Implications highlight the value of tailoring reflection-based practices to personality profiles rather than applying uniform approaches. |
| Item Type: | Essay (Bachelor) |
| Faculty: | BMS: Behavioural, Management and Social Sciences |
| Subject: | 77 psychology, 81 education, teaching |
| Programme: | Psychology BSc (56604) |
| Link to this item: | https://purl.utwente.nl/essays/106696 |
| Export this item as: | BibTeX EndNote HTML Citation Reference Manager |
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