ROLE OF CIVIC ENGAGEMENT, PERSONALITY AND SENSATION SEEKING ON THE SOCIAL WELL-BEING OF UNDERGRADUATES

Abstract

The study investigated the role of civic engagement, personality and sensation seeking on the social well-being of undergraduates. Participants were four hundred and fifty one (451) undergraduates who were drawn from university of Uyo, Akwa-Ibom using simple random sampling technique. Their ages ranged between 16 to 35 years, with a mean age of 22.07. Cross sectional design was adopted. Four instruments were used for data collection. Civic Engagement Scale (Dolittle & Faul, 2013), Big Five Inventory (John, Donahue & Kentle, 1990), Arnett Inventory of Sensation Seeking Scale (Arnett, 1993), and Social Wellbeing Scale (Keyes, 1998). Seven hypotheses were tested. Step wise multiple regression was the main statistic used for data analysis. Results of the regression analysis showed that amongst the studied variables, only civic engagement was a significant predictor of social well-being (p < .001). The five dimensions of Personality; e x t r a v e r s i o n , a g r e e a b l e n e s s , conscientiousness, neuroticism and openness were not significant predictors of social wellbeing. Similarly, sensation seeking did not also significantly predict social well-being. One good practical implication of the finding of this study is that individuals with patriotic minds and willingness to engage in civic duties are needed at all sectors to change our society for the best. Limitations were made, while suggestions for further studies were stated.