Science University Research Symposium (SURS)

Personality Traits and Self-Perceptions as Determinants of Health-Seeking Behavior

Publication Date

Fall 11-24-2025

College

College of Sciences & Mathematics

Department

Psychological Science, Department of

SURS Faculty Advisor

Jessica Hocking

Presentation Type

Metadata Only

Abstract

Personality traits and self-perceptions have long been recognized as critical psychological factors that shape health behaviors. Existing literature has found that extraversion, self-efficacy, and self-esteem are individually associated with health-promoting actions. Examining emerging adults, the current study investigated the potential relationship between extraversion and health-seeking behaviors, as moderated by self-efficacy and self-esteem. Seventy-one (N = 71) undergraduate college students were surveyed to gather information on health-seeking behaviors and extraversion, along with the possible moderators. A hierarchical multiple regression analysis was conducted to investigate how self-esteem and/or self-efficacy might moderate health-seeking behaviors and personality. Results indicated that self-esteem significantly moderated the relationship between extraversion and health-seeking behaviors. Specifically, at low levels of self-esteem, extraversion was positively associated with health-seeking behaviors. At medium- and high-levels of self-esteem, however, the relationship between extraversion and health-seeking behaviors was not significant. Implications, interpretations, and future directions of these findings are discussed.

Additional Files
Health Psych Form.HEIC (2223 kB)

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SURS Oral Presentation

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