The big-five personality traits as predictors of self-esteem in college students from Sudan

Ahmed M. Abdel-Khalek¹, Salaheldin Farah Attallah Bakhiet^2,*, Habab A. Osman³, Intisar Abunagma Mohamed Saad⁴, David Lester⁵
1 Department of Psychology, Faculty of Arts, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
2 Gifted Education Program, Department of Special Education, College of Education, Administrative and Technical Sciences, Arabian Gulf University, Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain
3 Department of Education and Psychology, University of Tabuk, Tabuk, Saudi Arabia
4 Department of Psychology, Faculty of Arts, University of Khartoum, Khartoum, Sudan
5 Department of Psychology, Stockton University, Galloway, NJ, USA
* Corresponding Author: Salaheldin Farah Attallah Bakhiet. Email: email , email

Journal of Psychology in Africa https://doi.org/10.32604/jpa.2026.071085

Received 31 July 2025; Accepted 03 February 2026; Published online 04 June 2026

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Abstract

Research on the relationship between self-esteem and the Big-Five personality traits has focused on Western populations. However, it is crucial to explore this relationship in non-Western contexts to better understand cultural variations in personality and self-perception. This study examined the associations between the Big-Five personality traits and self-esteem in a sample of 583 Sudanese university students (299 men, 284 women). The Big-Five traits were measured using the Arabic Big-Five Personality Inventory (ABFPI), and self-esteem was assessed with the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale. Both instruments have demonstrated good psychometric properties in previous studies. Results indicated that all five Big-Five traits were significant predictors of men’s self-esteem, while only extraversion and conscientiousness predicted women’s self-esteem. Gender differences were also observed, with women exhibiting higher self-esteem and higher neuroticism scores than men. These findings suggest that cultural and social factors, such as gender roles and societal expectations in Sudan, may influence self-esteem and personality traits differently from Western contexts. This research contributes to the existing literature by highlighting the need for culturally specific investigations into personality and self-esteem, offering insights into the unique experiences of Sudanese individuals. The implications of these findings emphasize the importance of considering cultural context in psychological research, particularly in non-Western societies, and could inform interventions aimed at improving mental health and well-being in Sudan.