Personality Traits and Decision-Making: The Shaping Hand of the Family Environment among Young Adults

Abstract

This study examined how dimensions of the family environment influence personality traits and decision-making styles among young adults in India. A sample of 63 participants aged 18–25 completed the Family Environment Scale (FES), NEO Five-Factor Inventory (NEO-FFI), and Decision-Making Questionnaire (DMQ). Findings revealed that family cohesion positively predicted conscientious decision-making and showed moderate associations with agreeableness. The control dimension demonstrated both adaptive and maladaptive associations. Achievement orientation emerged as a significant predictor of conscientiousness and openness, while acceptance and caring were most strongly related to agreeableness. Conversely, family conflict correlated with lower extraversion and reduced self-regulation. These results support ecological systems theory and highlight culturally specific pathways through which family dynamics shape psychological development. The study underscores the importance of considering family context in understanding personality and decision-making during emerging adulthood and suggests implications for family-focused interventions aimed at promoting adaptive outcomes.