Aggression and the Big Five Personality Traits in Persons with Substance Use Disorder in Kano, Nigeria

Abstract Background/Objectives: Studies have reported heightened level of aggression among persons with substance use disorders (SUDs). However, whether aggression is related with big five personality traits in persons with SUDs in Nigeria has not been previously studied. The objectives of the study were to: (i) compare the level of aggression between persons with SUDs and normal controls; (ii) compare personality traits between persons with SUDs and normal controls; and (iii) determine the correlation between aggression and personality traits. Materials and Methods: Seventy-five participants (35 = SUD, 40 = controls) receiving treatment at a rehabilitation center and normal controls participated in the study. Aggression was assessed using The Buss-Perry Aggression Questionnaire while personality traits were assessed using the revised NEO-PI personality inventory. Results: The mean age of the participants was 27 years (18–46 years). Persons with SUDs had significantly higher physical aggression (P = 0.001), verbal aggression (P = 0.013), hostility (P = 0.049), and total aggression scores (P = 0.001). Similarly, persons with SUDs had higher score in neuroticism (P = 0.001) but lower scores in conscientiousness (P < 0.001) and agreeable (P = 0.006). Among persons with SUDs, physical aggression was positively correlated with extraversion (P = 0.01), verbal aggression was negatively correlated with conscientiousness (P = 0.05), anger was negatively correlated with openness (P = 0.01) while hostility was positively correlated with neuroticism (P = 0.05) but negatively correlated with conscientiousness. Conclusion: SUDs are associated with heightened level of aggression, neuroticism, and lower conscientiousness and agreeableness. Evaluation of personality traits should form an integral part of risk stratification of persons at risk of SUDs.