How we Cope is Who we are: Personality Traits and Coping Mechanisms in Indian Adults

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Page: 842-847

Karthik Rajan C. S., Sujatha Sathiya, and Pythagoras Sanjay Rane (SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur, Chennai, Tamilnadu)

Coping with stress is a critical developmental task in young adulthood, and personality traits play a foundational role in shaping how individuals respond to stressors. This study explores the predictive relationship between the Big Five personality traits: Openness, Conscientiousness, Extraversion, Agreeableness, and Neuroticism and coping strategies (problem-focused, emotion-focused, & avoidance-oriented) among 300 Indian young adults aged 18 to 25. Standardized measures including the NEO Five-Factor Inventory (NEO-FFI) and the Brief COPE Inventory were administered. Data were analyzed using Pearson’s correlation, multiple linear regression, MANOVA, and structural equation modeling (SEM). Results indicated that Conscientiousness and Extraversion significantly predicted greater use of problem-focused coping, while Neuroticism was strongly associated with avoidance-oriented strategies. Openness emerged as a significant predictor of emotion-focused coping, with SEM revealing a mediating role of perceived stress in this relationship. MANOVA results showed significant gender differences in coping styles, with females reporting higher reliance on emotional coping strategies. These findings underscore the importance of tailoring mental health interventions to individual personality profiles and contribute to the growing cross-cultural literature on psychological adaptability and resilience in emerging adulthood.