Predicting the quality of life based on personality traits and defense mechanisms in psychology master’s students of Azad universities in Tehran province

Abstract

Objective: The objective of this study was to predict the quality of life based on personality traits and defense mechanisms in students. 

Methods: The statistical population of this descriptive-correlation study was male and female students of master's degree in general psychology. Among them, 330 people were selected by a multi-stage random method and completed the quality of life questionnaire (SF-36), defense mechanisms questionnaire (DSQ-40), and McCrae and Costa personality traits inventory (NEO-FFI). Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. 

Results: The variables of neuroticism, extroversion, flexibility, and responsibility explain 22% of immature defense style and neurotic defense style explains 15% of the variance in quality of life. Among the defense styles and personality traits, the highest effect belongs to the immature defense style (12%). Additionally, comparing the mean of variables in terms of gender showed that males are at a lower level than females in all the components of quality of life, except the limitations in playing a role due to physical reasons and the level of pain, and the overall score of quality of life. The trait of neuroticism is more in males than in females. However, females have more extroversion, adaptability, and responsibility than males.

Conclusion: The use of immature mechanisms is more in males than in females and the rate of using neuroticism mechanisms is more in females than in males.