Comparative study of the relationship between physical exercise and personality traits in male students of Tabriz University of Medical Sciences [Studio comparativo del rapporto tra esercizio fisico e tratti di personalitأ negli studenti maschi dell'Universitأ di Scienze Mediche di Tabriz]

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.