PERSONALITY TRAITS, ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS, AND SOCIOECONOMIC STATUS AS PREDICTORS OF MENTAL HEALTH OUTCOMES AMONG COUPLES IN IBADAN METROPOLIS, NIGERIA

Abstract

Mental health is a fundamental component of overall well-being, intricately linkedto the quality of life and interpersonal relationships, particularly among married couples. Thesignificance of mental health transcends individual experiences, as it affects the dynamics ofrelationships, communication patterns, and emotional support systems within couples. This studyexamined personality traits, environment and socioeconomic status as predictors of mental healthamong couples in Ibadan metropolis. The research design is descriptive. Quantitative method ofdata collection was adopted. A sample of 215 participants was selected using a simple randomsampling. A questionnaire focusing on demographic variables, personality traits, environmentalstress, socioeconomic status and mental health was administered to the participants. Data wereanalysed using descriptive statistics, Pearson product-moment correlation and regression analysisat a 0.05 level of significance. Three hypotheses were tested. The findings of hypothesis oneindicated that there was a statistically significant positive correlation between personality traits andmental health, r = 0.34, p = 0.000. Test of hypothesis two indicated there was a statisticallysignificant positive correlation between environmental factors and mental health, r = .32, p < .001.Test of hypothesis three indicated that the combination of personality traits, environmental factors,and socioeconomic status significantly predicts mental health outcomes (F(3, 211) = 140.26, p <.001, with R² = 0.67). The practical implication of this finding is that the favourable environmentalfactors and socio-economic factors are associated with improved mental health outcomes amongmarried couples when compared to their counterparts. The study recommended that couples shouldengage in open and honest communication to address challenges related to personality differences,environmental stressors, and socioeconomic pressures, as this will foster emotional closeness andimprove mental health outcomes. Couples should work together to build a nurturing and stablehome environment free from conflict and excessive stress, as a positive environment has beenshown to significantly improve the mental wellbeing of married partners. Couples facing persistentchallenges related to personality clashes or environmental and financial pressures should seekprofessional help through marital counseling or therapy to gain coping strategies and strengthentheir relationship. Finally, since socioeconomic status influences mental health, couples shouldengage in joint financial planning, budgeting, and goal-setting to reduce stress caused by economicinstability and improve their overall quality of life.