How Do Personality Traits Influence Relationship Satisfaction and Conflict Resolution?

This research focused on the impact of Big Five personality traits (BFI-10) on conflict resolution styles and relationship satisfaction among young adults. A total of 163 participants completed measures of personality, relationship satisfaction (Burns Scale), and conflict styles (Conflict Resolution Styles Inventory). Results indicated that relationship satisfaction and integration (adaptive) conflict styles were linked to agreeableness and conscientiousness; however, maladaptive styles (e.g., aggression, avoidance) were not. Regression analyses showed that all conflict styles were predicted by personality traits, where the highest predictor was agreeableness. While it appeared that higher relationship satisfaction was linked to higher levels of agreeableness and conscientiousness, those effects were slight. This study’s findings can be used in counseling to help understand the role of personality within relationship dynamics.