Examining the Relationship Between Parental Personality Traits and Anxiety Levels in Preschool Children

Abstract

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between parental personality traits and anxiety levels in preschool children. Methodology: A quantitative approach with a correlational design was employed to assess the relationship between variables. The statistical population included all preschool children and their parents in Tehran during the 2023–2024 academic year. Convenience sampling was used, and a total of 120 participants took part in the study. Parents completed the NEO Five-Factor Personality Inventory and the Spence Children's Anxiety Scale. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation coefficient, and regression analysis. Findings: The findings of this study indicate a relationship between the five personality dimensions—neuroticism, extraversion, agreeableness, openness to experience, and conscientiousness—and anxiety levels in preschool children. Among these, neuroticism and agreeableness exhibited the highest explanatory power in predicting anxiety levels. Conclusion: Parental personality traits can play a significant role in shaping children's emotions and behaviors. Parents with high levels of anxiety or stress may unintentionally transmit these feelings to their children. Therefore, recognizing and managing parental personality traits can contribute to reducing anxiety in preschool children and improving their psychological well-being.