153 Personality traits using big five factor model in individuals with substance dependence

Abstract EP3.4, e-Poster Terminal 3, September 4, 2025, 11:35 - 13:00 Aims This study aims to systematically investigate the association between personality traits, as defined by the big five-factor model, and substance dependence (excluding alcohol and nicotine) among individuals seeking treatment at the Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital (TUTH). It aims to identify significant personality differences between substance-dependent and non-dependent individuals and among several substance-dependence groups. Methodology A cross-sectional, comparative study was done in a convenience sample (n = 210) of individuals between 18-65 years. Two groups each consisting of 105 participants were constructed: one with a substance dependence diagnosis (n = 105) and another without a substance dependence diagnosis (n = 105) using ICD-11 criteria.Age and gender were matched between the two groups. Five-Factor Model Rating Form (FFMRF) was used to assess personality traits in both groups.Data was tabulated and analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25.0. Results The mean difference between the groups of substance dependence and non-dependence was found to be statistically significant (p < 0.05) for the personality traits of openness to experience, conscientiousness, agreeableness, and neuroticism. Openness to experience and neuroticism were found to be higher in groups of substance-dependence compared to non-dependence. In contrast, conscientiousness and agreeableness were lower in the substance-dependence group. On comparison of the personality traits among various types of substance-dependence, neuroticism was found to be lower in mono-substance dependence compared to poly-substance dependence. Similarly, post-hoc analysis revealed neuroticism was found to be lower in individuals with only cannabis dependence compared to poly-substance dependence. Conclusion The personality traits of neuroticism and openness to experience were found to be higher and the traits of agreeableness and conscientiousness were found to be lower in individuals with substance-dependence compared to non-dependence. Timely assessment and parallel intervention of personality traits concerning substance dependence may bring out positive outcomes in its overall management.