The relationship between personality traits, sex, age, performance level, and playing position in recreational handball

BACKGROUND: This study examines associations and group differences between personality traits, age, sex, performance level, and playing position in recreational handball players using the five-factor model. METHODS: One hundred eighty-three handball players (114 female, 69 male; mean age = 26.4 ± 11.2 years), competing in leagues from 8 to 4th league, completed the NEO-FFI-30 in an online survey. Differences between sex, age groups, playing positions, and leagues were analyzed using t-tests and ANOVAs, with correlation and regression analyses examining relationships between traits and factors like age, handball experience, and weekly training. RESULTS: Male players show lower neuroticism than female players (p < .001, d = 1.06). Senior players exhibited lower neuroticism (p < .001, d = 0.74) and higher conscientiousness (p = .006, d = -0.54) compared to youth players. Age predicted neuroticism (β = -0.15, p < .001), openness (β = 0.06, p = .022), and conscientiousness (β = 0.08, p < .001). Trainers showed significantly lower neuroticism (p = .023, d = -0.65) and higher openness compared to field players (p = .014, d = 0.69) and goalkeepers (p = .019, d = 0.9). Fourth-league players exhibited higher neuroticism than fifth-league (p = .036, d = 0.81) and sixth-league players (p = .042, d = 0.7). A small but significant positive correlation was found between extraversion and performance level (r = .152, p = .041). Conscientiousness predicted weekly handball training volume (β = -5.47, p = .012). Handball experience predicted neuroticism (β = -0.17, p < .001) and conscientiousness (β = 0.08, p < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Findings on age-related differences may help coaches better adapt their approach to players and distribute roles based on individual personality strengths and experience. However, sex-related comparisons should be interpreted cautiously due to differences in age and experience between male and female participants.