The Relationship Between Big Five Personality Traits and Love Styles among Undergraduate Students in Malaysian Private Universities (IPTS) in Kedah

Abstract

This study investigates the relationship between Big Five personality traits and love styles among undergraduate students enrolled in private higher education institutions (IPTS) in Kedah, Malaysia. A quantitative correlational research design was employed, involving 254 undergraduate students selected using purposive sampling. Personality traits were measured using the Mini-International Personality Item Pool (Mini-IPIP), while love styles were assessed using the Love Attitudes Scale–Short Form (LAS-SF). Data were analysis using descriptive statistics and Pearson correlation analysis. The findings revealed that conscientiousness was the most dominant personality trait, while pragma emerged as the most prevalent love style among respondents. Significant relationships were found between overall personality and romantic, game-playing, and logical love styles, whereas no significant relationships were observed for other love styles. These findings provide empirical evidence on the role of personality in romantic relationship patterns and offer practical implications for counselling and student development programs in higher education institutions.