IMPACT OF RELIGIOSITY AND BIG FIVE PERSONALITY TRAITS ON QUALITY OF LIFE AMONG UNIVERSITY STUDENTS

Abstract

This study examines the impact of religiosity and the Big Five personality traits on the quality of life (QoL) among university students in Pakistan, specifically comparing students from Islamabad and Parachinar. University students are a vital part of society, contributing significantly to national progress and innovation, yet they face numerous challenges, including mental health issues, academic stress, and socio-economic difficulties. These factors can negatively affect their QoL. The research aims to explore how religiosity, as an individual’s degree of engagement with religious beliefs and practices, and personality traits, including neuroticism, extraversion, agreeableness, conscientiousness, and openness, influence the well-being of students. The study finds that religiosity is positively correlated with QoL, with intrinsic religiosity playing a crucial role in enhancing psychological resilience and overall life satisfaction. Among the Big Five  traits, extraversion and agreeableness demonstrate a positive association with QoL, while neuroticism is negatively related. The findings also reveal significant cultural and geographic differences between students from Islamabad, a metropolitan area, and Parachinar, a historically conflict-affected region. Students in Islamabad reported higher QoL scores, likely due to better access to resources, education, and mental health services. The research highlights the importance of considering socio-cultural and economic contexts when assessing student well-being and underscores the role of religiosity and personality traits in shaping QoL outcomes. These findings provide valuable insights for policymakers, educators, and mental health professionals to develop strategies aimed at improving students’ mental health and overall quality of life.