Personality and social problem-solving: The mediating role of self-esteem

Abstract

The purpose of the present study was to examine direct and indirect relationships among personality, self-esteem and social problem-solving, as well as the mediating role of self-esteem in the link between personality and social problem-solving among Turkish youth. The study utilized a cross-sectional design comprising several self-reports. Data for the present study were collected from 687 undergraduate students. The participants included 428 (66%) females and 220 (34%) males, and their ages ranged from 18 to 35years, with a mean of 22.46 years (SD = 2.45). Findings illustrated that extraversion, openness, conscientiousness, agreeableness and self-esteem were significantly and positively correlated with social problem-solving, whereas neuroticism showed a negative correlation. Self-esteem is significantly and positively associated with extraversion, openness, conscientiousness, agreeableness and social problem-solving, and it appears to act as a mediator in the relationship between personality and social problem-solving. The findings indicated that personality and self-esteem directly affected social problem-solving, and personality also indirectly affected social problem-solving through self-esteem. In conclusion, personality and self-esteem were found to be significantly related to social problem-solving among Turkish youth.