The relationship between ‘OCEAN’ personality domains and self perceptions of parenting behavior

Allison Finkel, Pace University

Abstract

Previous research has explored the inherent role personality plays in regard to parenting. However, thus far, there has been an absence of literature with respect to the relationship between the Five Factor Model OCEAN personality dimensions and perceptions of parent behavior as outlined in the parent development theory (PDT). The purpose of this study is to build upon previous research by using the PDT and the OCEAN personality trait theory. The aim is to examine how OCEAN personality domains (i.e., openness to experience, conscientiousness, extraversion, agreeableness and neuroticism) relate to parental views regarding the value of positive parenting characteristics (i.e., bonding, discipline, education, general welfare and protection, responsivity, sensitivity) and negative parenting characteristics. In addition, demographic information such as age, gender, and ethnicity is considered to further inform the relationship between personality and perceptions of parenting behavior. Findings reveal a significant positive relationship between most OCEAN personality characteristics and parent behavior importance perceptions. Notably, agreeableness had a significant positive correlation with all positive parenting characteristics, while extraversion and neuroticism did not significantly relate to any of the parenting characteristics except when parent gender was considered. Additionally, conscientiousness and openness were significantly positively related to all positive parenting characteristics other than discipline. Furthermore, agreeableness, conscientiousness, and openness significantly positively related with the positive parenting index, while extraversion and neuroticism did not. Neuroticism was found to significantly relate to the negativity scale, and openness significantly negatively correlated with the negativity scale. Finally, gender and ethnicity were found to moderate the relationship between the PBIQ positive parenting index and the extraversion and openness OCEAN domains. Overall, these findings indicate a significant relationship between OCEAN personality domains and the importance of perceptions of parenting behaviors. The study serves to inform future research, as well as psychological practice in both clinical and school settings, in terms of relationships between personality factors and parenting perceptions.

Subject Area

Clinical psychology|Personality psychology

Recommended Citation

Finkel, Allison, "The relationship between ‘OCEAN’ personality domains and self perceptions of parenting behavior" (2009). ETD Collection for Pace University. AAI3377789.
https://digitalcommons.pace.edu/dissertations/AAI3377789

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