MULTIFACTOR ANALYSIS OF PERSONALITY TRAITS IN THE CONTEXT OF APPROVAL MOTIVATION

Abstract

Purpose. The aim was to conduct a multifactor analysis of the relationships between the motivation for social approval and basic personality traits, and to develop a psychocorrectional program for reducing an excessive need for social approval. Methodology: the study administered the NEO Five-Factor Inventory (NEO-FFI) to assess personality traits and the Marlowe-Crowne Social Desirability Scale to measure motivation for social approval in a sample of young adults.Correlation analyses were conducted to examine the relationships between personality trait scores and social approval motivation levels. The scientific novelty: this study is the first to present a comprehensive analysis of the links between motivation for social approval and Big Five personality traits in a Ukrainian sample. An original psychocorrectional intervention program is proposed to address manifestations of social desirability. Conclusions. The results showed that motivation for social approval is significantly associated with higher levels of agreeableness and conscientiousness, and, to a lesser extent, with lower neuroticism. In contrast, its associations with extraversion and openness to experience were negligible. The tendency toward socially desirable self-presentation is accompanied by distinctly cooperative and responsible behavior. A psychocorrectional program aimed at reducing the excessive need for approval is presented, incorporating training to develop self-esteem, authenticity, and assertiveness. These findings highlight the importance of considering social approval motivation in personality assessment and development. The proposed intervention helps mitigate the detrimental impact of an excessive need for approval; further research should evaluate its effectiveness in larger samples.