Exploring the Impact of Mental Health on Personality Development in College Students

This study explores the impact of mental health on personality development among college students. Specifically, it investigates the relationship between mental health (categorized as good and poor) and the five major personality traits: Openness, Conscientiousness, Extraversion, Agreeableness, and Neuroticism. A sample of 110 college students from Mumbai, aged 18 to 26, was analyzed using the NEOPI personality test and the Mental Health Inventory (MHI). Statistical analysis using t-tests revealed significant differences between students with good and poor mental health across all five personality traits. Students with good mental health exhibited higher scores in Openness, Conscientiousness, Extraversion, and Agreeableness, while those with poor mental health demonstrated higher Neuroticism. These findings suggest that mental health plays a crucial role in shaping personality characteristics during young adulthood. The study emphasizes the importance of mental well-being in personality development and its implications for interventions aimed at improving mental health among college students.