Personality Traits and Stress Levels Among Filipino College Students: The Mediating Role of Peer Support

Abstract. Students in Philippine higher education experience multiple stressors shaped by academic demands, family expectations, and sociocultural values rooted in collectivism. Within this context, personality traits and peer support play important roles in influencing stress experiences. This study examined the relationship between personality traits and stress levels, with peer support as a mediating variable among Generation Z students. Using a quantitative descriptive-correlational design, data were gathered from 100 student.. Standardized instruments, including the Big Five Inventory (BFI-10), Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10), and Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS), were utilized to measure the key variables. Results indicated that students exhibited moderate levels of personality traits and stress, and high levels of peer support. Significant positive relationships were found between personality traits and stress levels, as well as between personality traits and peer support. However, no significant relationship was observed between peer support and stress levels. Mediation analysis further revealed that peer support did not significantly mediate the relationship between personality traits and stress. These findings suggest that personality traits have a direct influence on students’ stress experiences, while peer support, although present and strong, may not be sufficient to buffer stress effectively in this context. Implications support the development of targeted mental health interventions aligned with Sustainable Development Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-Being), emphasizing resilience, coping strategies, and holistic student support. Keywords: Collectivist Culture; Mediation; Peer Support; Personality Traits; Stress Levels