The relationship between personality traits, sex, age, performance level, and playing position in recreational handball

Abstract Background This study examines associations and group differences between personality traits, age, sex, performance level, and playing position in recreational handball players using the five-factor model. Methods One hundred eighty-three handball players (114 female, 69 male; mean age = 26.4 ± 11.2 years), competing in leagues from 8 to 4th league, completed the NEO-FFI-30 in an online survey. Differences between sex, age groups, playing positions, and leagues were analyzed using t-tests and ANOVAs, with correlation and regression analyses examining relationships between traits and factors like age, handball experience, and weekly training. Results Male players show lower neuroticism than female players ( p < .001, d = 1.06). Senior players exhibited lower neuroticism ( p < .001, d = 0.74) and higher conscientiousness ( p = .006, d = -0.54) compared to youth players. Age predicted neuroticism (β = -0.15, p < .001), openness (β = 0.06, p = .022), and conscientiousness (β = 0.08, p < .001). Trainers showed significantly lower neuroticism ( p = .023, d = -0.65) and higher openness compared to field players ( p = .014, d = 0.69) and goalkeepers ( p = .019, d = 0.9). Fourth-league players exhibited higher neuroticism than fifth-league ( p = .036, d = 0.81) and sixth-league players ( p = .042, d = 0.7). A small but significant positive correlation was found between extraversion and performance level ( r = .152, p = .041). Conscientiousness predicted weekly handball training volume (β = -5.47, p = .012). Handball experience predicted neuroticism (β = -0.17, p < .001) and conscientiousness (β = 0.08, p < .001). Conclusions Findings on age-related differences may help coaches better adapt their approach to players and distribute roles based on individual personality strengths and experience. However, sex-related comparisons should be interpreted cautiously due to differences in age and experience between male and female participants.