Effect of Personality Traits on Decision-Making Process among Federal and State University Students in Enugu State, Nigeria

This study examines the effect of personality traits on the decision-making process among Federal and State university students in Enugu State, Nigeria. A survey research design was adopted, with data collected from 387 undergraduate students using a structured questionnaire. The study focused on the five major personality traits: openness to experience, conscientiousness, extraversion, neuroticism, and agreeableness, and how each influences students' decision-making behaviors. The findings revealed that 53.4% of students are open to new academic opportunities, with many indicating a moderate willingness to consider unconventional or creative options in their decisions. A majority (72.4%) of students reported planning ahead for academic tasks, indicating high conscientiousness. Regarding extraversion, 64.0% of respondents expressed a willingness to engage in academic or social opportunities, while 65.2% indicated that they often make decisions based on social interactions. Despite these positive trends, 34.1% of students displayed uncertainty in their decision-making abilities, often linked to high levels of neuroticism. The study concludes that personality traits significantly influence university students' decision-making processes, with traits such as conscientiousness and extraversion facilitating effective decision-making, while neuroticism may hinder confident and deliberate choices. Recommendations include personalized academic counseling, decision-making workshops, and targeted interventions for students with higher neuroticism to improve decision-making outcomes and academic success.