Arab Educational Information Network

The aim of this study was to explore the sex-related differences in the big five personality factors. A convenience sample of secondary school students in the state of Kuwait was selected (171 males; 190 females). Their ages ranged from 14 to 17 years. They responded to the big five questionnaire for children. Results indicated statistically significant differences in neuroticism (males had the high mean score) and conscientiousness (females obtained the high mean score). The effect size in both factors was small. There were no statistically significant differences in extraversion, agreeableness, and openness factors. The high score of males on neuroticism than females was not congruent with previous studies. This result may be related to the differential effect of social desirability. The high mean scores of females on conscientiousness may be related to the high need for achievement among females. (Published abstract)