Big Five Personality Traits Model in Electoral Behaviour Studies
Big Five Personality Traits Model in Electoral Behaviour Studies

Summary/Abstract: The present research focuses on the problem of personality determinants of individual voting behaviour. The applied methodological approach was the Five Factor model, based on the trait theory of personality. The study (sample size N = 726) used a questionnaire drawn up by Paul T. Costa and Robert R. McCrae - creators of the Five Factor model - in its extended version (NEO-PI-R), which allowed not only for the diagnosis of the fundamental factors of personality as per the Five Factor Model, but also for determination of subtle differences in terms of their individual components. The results of the study have lead to the crystallization of four types of voters: loyal, volatile, passive and unsystematic. A detailed analysis of the personality structure of each voter type was conducted as well - it was found that significantly different personality structures translate into different voting behavior, and consequently varying mobilization options for these groups. The conclusions above are particularly important in the context of formulating electoral messages and stimulating the civic potential of individuals that are politically uninvolved and uninterested in full participation in political life, including elections.

• Details
• Contents