PERSONALITY TRAITS OF YOUNG PEOPLE AS PREDICTORS OF THE USE OF PSYCHOLOGICAL DEFENSE MECHANISMS

Contemporary psychology pays great attention to how different personality traits influence people's behavior, thinking style, and adaptation to stressful situations. The article presents the relationship between the five main personality traits of young people (neuroticism, extroversion, openness to experience, agreeableness, conscientiousness) and psychological defense mechanisms. The research shows the influence of stable personality traits on people's adaptive strategies. The aim of our research was to find out how different personality traits predict the use and frequency of specific defense mechanisms. 120 young people aged 21-25 participated in the study. The results of the analyses revealed clear patterns. The personal characteristics of young people are relatively stable and influence the choice of psychological defense mechanisms. The analysis of the obtained results showed that young people with high levels of neuroticism frequently use maladaptive defense mechanisms such as denial, projection, and regression, which, although temporarily relieve anxiety, inhibit healthy adaptation. Meanwhile, extraversion and conscientiousness are associated with more active use of more mature psychological defense mechanisms. Consequently, the study of personality traits can serve as an important tool for maintaining the mental health of young people. The obtained results have practical significance in the field of psychological counseling, therapy, and education, allowing professionals to develop more effective interventions that take into account personal characteristics and adaptive mechanisms.