The Five-Factor Model of Personality and Executive Functions in Emotion Regulation

Abstract

Introduction: This study examined whether the Five-Factor Model of personality and three measures of executive functions predict performance on an emotion regulation task based on response differences (ER diff). Method: A multiple linear regression was estimated with emotion regulation as the dependent variable. Predictors were Extraversion, Agreeableness, Conscientiousness, Neuroticism, Openness, Stroop interference, switching, and working memory. A null model was compared with a model including all variables. Results: The full model explained a modest percentage of the variance (R² = .083, adjusted R² = .046) and was statistically significant, F(8, 202) = 2.27, p = .024. Two predictors reached significance: Extraversion (standardized β = -.178, p = .046) and switching (standardized β = -.167, p = .022), both exhibiting negative associations. The remaining variables did not account for additional variance. Discussion: The pattern suggests that lower levels of Extraversion and lower efficiency in attentional switching are related to poorer task performance. Although the explained variance is limited, the finding supports the idea that emotion regulation depends on both dispositional differences and specific executive processes, particularly those associated with cognitive flexibility.