Proactive Coping as a Mediator in the Effect of Big Five Personality Traits on the Goal Restriction Reaction

Abstract

Goals, which were settled earlier in life might become unattainable. Whether the reaction will be goal disengagement or reengagement of different goals might depend on the personality. The study aims to confirm the prediction power of personality traits in goal disengagement and goal reengagement and determine the possible mediation effect of proactive coping in these relationships. To confirm this, the Goal Adjustment Scale, The Proactive Coping Inventory, and Big Five Inventory-2 were completed by 318 participants (mean age 23.09; SD = 3.58; 76.7% of women). Results revealed a significant effect of extraversion and openness on both goal disengagement and goal reengagement and the effect of conscientiousness on goal disengagement. All of them were fully or partially mediated by proactive coping. The reaction to goal achievement obstacles partially depends on personality, due to its effect on the usage of proactive coping.