Investigating the Effect of Personal Values and Personality Traits on Political Participation among the Citizens of Behbahan

Abstract

The present study aimed at examining the effect of the relationship between personality traits and social values on the political participation of the youth living in Behbahan, Iran. To do so, theories were developed by Schwartz, Inglehart, and Milbrath as the theoretical framework of this study. The survey method was used in this research, and the sample size equaled 384 (n=384) based on the Cochrane formula through the multistage cluster sampling method. A researcher-made questionnaire was used to collect data. In the next step, data analysis was done by using Pearson correlation coefficient and regression analysis through SPSS software. The obtained results indicated a high average rate (3.58 out of 5) of political participation among individuals. There was a direct and significant relationship between personality traits, social values, and political participation. There was a significant relationship between five dimensions of personality traits and political participation; on the other hand, there was a significant association between political participation and some dimensions of values, including universalism, benevolence, stimulation, and conformity. Regression analysis showed that these two variables could explain 26.6% of changes in political participation; however, values played a more vital role rather personality traits. Structural equation modeling (SEM) had an appropriate fit and approved the effect of personal values and personality traits on the political participation of the youth living in Behbahan. Therefore, more attention should be devoted to personality traits and personal social values to expand political participation in society. In this case, indicators and components of personal social values, such as benevolence and tradition must be at the center of attention.