Evaluation of the personality traits in subjects in need of orthodontic treatment using the Big Five model: A cross-sectional questionnaire-based study.

Abstract

Background: Malocclusion can be regarded as a civilizational disease, and its psychological implications remain a subject of debate.

Objectives: The aim of the study was to examine different personality traits of the individuals with malocclusion using the Big Five personality trait model.

Material and methods: A cross-sectional questionnaire-based study was conducted on 260 individuals with malocclusion, aged 15-24 years. The subjects were examined for the dental health component (DHC) of the index of orthodontic treatment need (IOTN) and graded by an expert orthodontist. The questionnaire contained 44 questions designed to evaluate various personality traits, namely extroversion, agreeableness, conscientiousness, neuroticism, and openness. The subjects were instructed to complete the questionnaire within a designated time frame of 10 min. The collected data was organized and scored. The individuals were then sorted into different categories of personality traits. A descriptive statistical analysis was performed on the collected data, and an analysis of variance (ANOVA) was conducted to determine the difference between the IOTN grading and various personality traits.

Results: All the subjects demonstrated low levels of extroversion, agreeableness and conscientiousness. In comparison to individuals with IOTN grade 1, those with grades 2 and 3 exhibited significantly higher levels of neuroticism (p < 0.005). The scores for the openness personality trait were moderate for all IOTN grades. Individuals with a high and moderate need for orthodontic treatment demonstrated elevated levels of neuroticism.

Conclusions: A definite influence of malocclusion on the personality traits of an individual was observed. Subjects requiring more extensive orthodontic treatment exhibited a higher prevalence of neuroticism.