Influence of Personality Traits on Violent Behaviour and Internet Addiction Among Undergraduates in Ekiti State, Nigeria

This study examines the influence of personality traits on violent behavior and internet addiction among undergraduate students in Ekiti State, Nigeria. It seeks to understand the extent to which individual personality characteristics, such as impulsivity, aggression, frustration intolerance, and competitiveness, contribute to the manifestation of violent behaviors and the propensity for excessive internet use. A survey research design was employed, with data collected through structured questionnaires administered to a representative sample of undergraduate students across various institutions in Ekiti State. The study highlights significant correlations between specific personality traits, such as impulsivity and aggression, and violent behaviors, including physical altercations and verbal aggression. Furthermore, it explores the role of internet addiction as a contributing factor to online aggression, revealing a substantial relationship between excessive internet use and increased violent tendencies among students. The findings suggest that traits like impulsivity, low frustration tolerance, and high competitiveness significantly predict both offline and online aggressive behaviors. The study also underscores the complex interplay between personality traits and internet addiction, indicating that while personality influences real-world violent behavior, the digital environment exacerbates these tendencies. In response to these findings, the study proposes targeted interventions, including counseling services, digital literacy programs, and emotional regulation training, to mitigate violent behavior and reduce internet addiction among undergraduates. These recommendations aim to foster a safer and more supportive academic environment, enhancing students' mental health and well-being. This research contributes to a deeper understanding of the psychological factors influencing student behavior and offers practical insights for policymakers and educational institutions seeking to address violence and internet addiction in higher education settings.