PERSONALITY TRAITS AND MENTAL HEALTH AMONG SCHOOL TEACHERS

Abstract

Personality traits significantly influence mental health, particularly among school teachers who face unique psychological and professional challenges. This study examines the correlation between personality traits, as defined by the Five-Factor Model (extraversion, agreeableness, conscientiousness, neuroticism, and openness to experience), and mental health among secondary school teachers. A sample of 100 teachers (50 male and 50 female) from Nandurbar district was assessed using the NEO Five-Factor Inventory-3 and the Mental Health Scale. The results indicate that neuroticism has a significant negative correlation with mental health, whereas conscientiousness and openness to experience exhibit positive correlations. Gender differences were observed, with male teachers reporting better mental health compared to female teachers. Additionally, males scored higher in conscientiousness and openness to experience, while females exhibited higher neuroticism. These findings underscore the importance of considering personality traits in designing mental health interventions and support systems for educators, ensuring their psychological well-being and professional effectiveness.