The Association Between Personality Traits and Substance Use Among Advanced Level Students in Western Province, Sri Lanka: A Cross-sectional Study

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Research and Innovation Division- KIU, Sri Lanka

2 Department of Psychology-KIU, Sri Lanka

10.34172/ahj.2024.1520

Abstract

Background: While personality predominantly influences human cognition, emotion, and behavior, there is still an unresolved 
research gap concerning the association between personality and substance use within the Sri Lankan context.
Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the association between personality traits and substance use 
among advanced-level students aged over 18 in Western province, Sri Lanka, in 2023. Data collection was carried out using selfadministered paper-pencil questionnaires. The study variables were measured using the brief version of the Big Five Personality 
Inventory and the Alcohol, Smoking, and Substance Involvement Questionnaire. Data analysis involved the use of the chi-square 
test and Spearman correlation.
Findings: Of the 441 enrolled participants, 422 provided correct responses to the questionnaire. Among them, 154 (36.5%) reported 
substance use. The majority of students initiated substance use at the age of 17. The results reveal a significant association between 
the openness personality trait and substance use among advanced-level students in Western province. Additionally, there was a 
statistically significant positive correlation between the extroversion personality trait and amphetamine use among advanced-level 
students.
Conclusion: The findings highlight a significant association between specific personality traits, particularly openness and 
extroversion, and substance use among advanced-level students in Western province, Sri Lanka. These results emphasize the 
significance of considering personality factors in understanding and addressing substance use behaviors among youth populations. 
Further research and targeted interventions are necessary to delve deeper into these associations and develop effective prevention 
and intervention strategies.

Highlights

Janitha Charuni Thennakoon: (Google Scholar) (PubMed)

Dilantha Deva Adithiya: (Google Scholar) (PubMed)

Akila Randika Jayamaha: (Google Scholar) (PubMed)

Keywords

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Addiction & Health
Volume 16, Issue 2
May 2024
Pages 100-106

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