The Interaction Effect of Personality Traits and Gender Differences on Risky Behaviours among First-Year University Students in South Africa

Abstract

This article investigates the effect of personality traits and gender differences on risky behaviours among first-year students of a South African university. A sample of three hundred and twelve (312) first-year students comprising 59.6 per cent females was selected as participants. Data were collected with a questionnaire to measure risky behaviours, personality traits, and demographic information. Collected data were subjected to statistical analysis using the statistical package for social sciences v23. Descriptive and inferential statistics were conducted. Results showed that the use of alcohol to the extent of being drunk, staying out late at night without parents’ knowledge, taking chances while doing hobbies, reckless driving, and unsafe sexual practices are prominent among the students. Agreeableness (F (1, 308) = 9.863, p