Personality traits on conflict resolution strategies among couples in Ado Ekiti, Nigeria

Abstract

The study investigated the effect of self concept, family background and personality characteristics on
conflict resolution strategies of couples in Ado-Ekiti. One hundred and seventy four married participants
completed a questionnaire comprising of the Index of Self-Esteem, the Big Five Personality Inventory and the
Conflict Resolution Strategy Scale. The research participants were selected in Ado-Ekiti through purposive
and convenience sampling methods. Responses from the survey research were analyzed using multiple
regression and independent t test statistics. Results of the study showed that self-concept, family
background and sex did not individually influence couples’ conflict resolution strategies. Personality
characteristics had a significantly effect on conflict resolution strategies. However, the interaction of selfconcept, family background, sex, and personality characteristics significantly influence couples conflict
resolution strategies. Family background did not have a significant effect on self concept of couples. Results
were discussed in line with previous literature and it was recommended that marital therapists and
counselors should adequately assess the self concept, personality, and family background of couples before
implementing therapeutic plan so as to assist them in adopting appropriate styles of resolving conflicts in
marital lif