Gender-Specific Predictors of Resilience and Big Five Personality Traits Among Emerging Adult College Students in India

Background Resilience and personality traits are vital for psychological well-being, especially during emerging adulthood, a period of identity exploration and increased stress vulnerability. Although both constructs have been studied, their interrelationship and potential gender-specific patterns remain underexplored, limiting targeted intervention strategies. Objective This study examined the predictive relationships between resilience and the Big Five personality traits among emerging adult college students, with attention to gender differences in resilience dimensions and personality profiles. Methods A descriptive survey and correlational design were employed with 335 college students (170 females, 165 males) aged 20–25 years from Kanpur Nagar, India. The Big Five Inventory, 10 (BFI-10) assessed personality traits, and the Multidimensional Scale of Resilience in Hindi (MDRS-H) measured resilience across ten domains. Data were analysed using correlation and regression analyses. Results No significant overall gender differences were found in total resilience. Females scored higher in internal locus of control, self-acceptance, sociability, and humour, while males showed slightly higher emotional maturity. Females scored higher in agreeableness; males were higher in conscientiousness and neuroticism. Gender-specific predictors included assertiveness for females’ extraversion and self-acceptance for males’ openness. Sociability reduced neuroticism in females, while forgiveness predicted conscientiousness and neuroticism in males. Conclusion The study emphasizes gender-sensitive interventions. Enhancing reflective practices and social engagement may support females’ resilience and openness, while promoting emotional regulation, self-acceptance, and adaptive forgiveness may strengthen males’ personality development and overall well-being.