The correlation between the five-factor model of personality traits and symptoms of common mental disorders in multi-national elite rugby players

Abstract

Symptoms of common mental disorders (CMDs) affect a large proportion of the general population worldwide with the prevalence of CMDs and related symptoms ranging from 16,5% to 45% amongst the general global population. Clinically diagnosed CMDs and symptoms of CMDs cause marked emotional distress and interfere with the emotional wellbeing, as well as the daily functioning of affected individuals, resulting in socio-economic impact for the individual and devastating cost for a country's economy. Recent literature indicates a drive towards understanding symptoms of CMDs and the moderating factors that play a role in their manifestation amongst various populations. Although elite athletes are often a high functioning, very select subgroup of the general population, they are not immune to the effects of CMDs. Literature in the field of sports psychology indicates a similar prevalence of CMDs in elite athletes compared to the general population. Furthermore, personality trait variation has shown to correlate with CMDs amongst the general population and recent studies conducted amongst elite athletes in soccer, basketball and hockey have found similar correlations to the general population. However, no study could be found that explored the correlation between symptoms of CMDs and personality traits in elite rugby players. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the prevalence of symptoms of CMDs amongst a sample of multi-national elite rugby players from England, South Africa and Ireland and to determine if any correlations exist between CMD symptoms and personality traits.

This study made use of a quantitative, cross-sectional research design with a convenience sample. This research study forms part of a larger service delivery project, facilitated by the Director of the Centre for Health & Human Performance (CHHP) at the North-West University that provides psychological support to elite rugby players internationally. Before conducting psychological interventions with various elite rugby teams, the study leader of this project assessed players using a battery of standardised psychometric assessments. The battery of assessments is packaged as the WebNeuro Sport online assessment and is facilitated by the Brain Resource Company® (BRC). Only data from players that gave informed consent for their data to be used for research purposes was utilised in this study. The data was analysed making use of descriptive and inferential statistics, namely Spearman's correlation coefficient test to determine if there were any correlations between the five-factor model of personality traits and symptoms of CMDs. This research study revealed similar prevalence of symptoms of CMDs compared to the general population. Furthermore, the research study revealed correlations between certain personality traits and symptoms of CMDs. Neuroticism was found to have a medium to strong positive correlation with symptoms of CMDs whilst Conscientiousness, Extraversion and Agreeableness were found to have a low to moderate negative correlation with symptoms of CMDs. Since personality traits remain relatively stable throughout an individual's life, these findings provide useful information. It is recommended that elite sports personnel include a personality assessment in their preseason intervention strategy as a means of identifying players that are more likely to develop symptoms of CMDs to allow proactive interventions that are preventative rather than reactive. It is recommended that future studies investigate these correlations further by conducting longitudinal research that allow for more precise findings.