Comparative study of the relationship between physical exercise and personality traits in male students of Tabriz University of Medical Sciences

Abstract

Aim. The present study aimed to examine the relationship between physical exercise and personality traits among the male students of Tabriz University of Medical Sciences. Methods. In this study, using systematic sampling, 200 students of Tabriz University of Medical Sciences were selected. They were assessed by the NEO-Five Factor Inventory (NEO-FFI). The results were analyzed using descriptive statistics and analytical methods (t-test). Results. The study examining the five personality factors suggested no significant difference by traits such as neuroticism between both athletic and non-athletic subjects (P=0.02). In terms of extraversion, subjects of both groups did not show any significant difference. However, concerning openness, there was a significant difference between both groups (P=0.005), in that the athletes revealed high level of openness. Furthermore, both groups proved differently on the agreeableness factor (P=0.02), in other words; non-athletes scored higher on this factor. In addition, regarding conscientiousness, they were also different, as the athlete group scored higher than the non-athletes were. Conclusion. The present study suggests that on the five-factor model traits of NEO Personality Inventory, compared with non-athletes, athletes indicate better performance on openness and conscientiousness dimensions and physical exercise is associated with appropriate personality traits.