The Role of the Big Five Personality Traits in the Academic Goal Orientations of Sports Science Students

The purpose of this study was to determine the predictive power of the Big Five personality traits on the academic goal orientation among sports science students. The study employed a correlational research design and included a total of 419 students, comprising 201 women and 218 men, who were enrolled in the Faculty of Sports Sciences and actively continuing their studies. The “Personal Information Form,” the “Academic Goal Orientation Scale,” and the “Big Five-50 Personality Test” were used in the study. Pearson correlation and multiple linear regression analyses were employed in the statistical analysis. An examination of the research findings revealed significant positive correlations between academic goal orientation and extraversion (r = .284; p < .001), agreeableness (r = .354; p < .001), conscientiousness (r = .392; p < .001), emotional stability (r = .136; p = .005), and openness to experience (r = .285; p < .001). Furthermore, it was found that the personality traits of extraversion (β = .133; p = .019), agreeableness (β = .156; p = .008), and conscientiousness (β = .283; p < .001) significantly and positively predicted academic goal orientation. In conclusion, it can be stated that among the Big Five personality traits, conscientiousness, extraversion, and agreeableness are particularly important personality traits that support academic goal orientation. These findings demonstrate that personality traits are a determining factor in individuals’ processes of orienting toward academic goals.