Five-Factor Personality Characteristics and Self-Esteem as Predictors of Personal Indecisiveness

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to examine whether the five-factor personality characteristics and self-esteem predict two subtypes of personal indecisiveness (exploratory indecisiveness and impetuous indecisiveness). A total of 483 students (269 female and 208 male students, 6 of the students did not state gender) studying at the various faculties of Gazi University participated in the study. The results show that both exploratory and impetuous indecisiveness are significantly and positively correlated to neuroticism, and are significantly and negatively correlated to extraversion, openness to experience, conscientiousness, and self-esteem. Exploratory indecisiveness is not correlated with agreeableness. Self-esteem was found to be the strongest predictor of exploratory indecisiveness, followed by neuroticism and extraversion. The strongest predictor of impetuous indecisiveness was found to be neuroticism, followed by self-esteem, conscientiousness, and openness to experience. The findings are discussed within the scope of the relevant literature.

Full text

Hacettepe Üniversitesi Eğitim Fakültesi Dergisi (H. U. Journal of Education) 31(1):112-124 [2016]
ISSN: 1300-5340
DOI:10.16986/HUJE.2015014091
Five-Factor Personality Characteristics and Self-Esteem as Predictors
of Personal Indecisiveness
Kişisel Kararsızlığın Yordayıcıları Olarak Beş Faktör Kişilik Özellikleri
ve Öz Saygı
Kemal ÖZTEMEL*
ABSTRACT: The purpose of this study is to examine whether the five-factor personality characteristics and self-
esteem predict two subtypes of personal indecisiveness (exploratory indecisiveness and impetuous indecisiveness). A
total of 483 students (269 female and 208 male students, 6 of the students did not state gender) studying at the various
faculties of Gazi University participated in the study. The results show that both exploratory and impetuous
indecisiveness are significantly and positively correlated to neuroticism, and are significantly and negatively correlated
to extraversion, openness to experience, conscientiousness, and self-esteem. Exploratory indecisiveness is not
correlated with agreeableness. Self-esteem was found to be the strongest predictor of exploratory indecisiveness,
followed by neuroticism and extraversion. The strongest predictor of impetuous indecisiveness was found to be
neuroticism, followed by self-esteem, conscientiousness, and openness to experience. The findings are discussed within
the scope of the relevant literature.
Keywords: personal indecisiveness, exploratory indecisiveness, impetuous indecisiveness, five-factor personality
characteristics, self-esteem.
ÖZ: Bu araştırmanın amacı kişisel kararsızlığın iki alt boyutu olan araştırıcı ve aceleci kararsızlığın beş faktör kişilik
özellikleri ve öz saygı ile ilişkisini ve beş faktör kişilik özellikleri ile öz saygının her iki kararsızlığı yordayıp
yordamadığını incelemektir. Araştırmaya Gazi Üniversitesinin çeşitli fakültelerinde öğrenim gören 483 öğrenci (269
kız, 208 erkek, 6 öğrenci cinsiyet belirtmemiştir) katılmıştır. Sonuçlar, hem araştırıcı kararsızlığın hem de aceleci
kararsızlığın nevrotizm ile pozitif, dışadönüklük, deneyime açıklık, sorumluluk ve öz saygı ile anlamlı ve negatif ilişkili
olduğunu göstermiştir. Araştırıcı kararsızlığın yumuşak başlılık ile ilişkisi anlamlı bulunmamıştır. Araştırıcı
kararsızlığın en güçlü yordayıcısı düşük öz saygı olmuş ve bunu nevrotizm ve dışadönüklük izlemiştir. Deneyime
açıklık, yumuşak başlılık ve sorumluluğun etkisi anlamlı bulunmamıştır. Aceleci kararsızlığın en güçlü yordayıcısı ise
nevrotizm olmuş, bunu düşük öz saygı, sorumluluk ve deneyime açıklık izlemiştir. Dışadönüklük ve yumuşak başlılığın
etkisi anlamlı bulunmamıştır. Yumuşak başlılık her iki kararsızlık tipinin yordayıcısı olmamıştır. Sonuçlar ilgili
literatür çerçevesinde tartışılmıştır.
Anahtar sözcükler: kişisel kararsızlık, araştırıcı kararsızlık, aceleci kararsızlık, beş faktör kişilik özelliği, öz saygı.
1. INTRODUCTION
Individuals encounter many decisions in daily life. Some people can make such decisions
quite easily without facing any difficulties, whereas others encounter difficulties and
indecisiveness, and sometimes need professional assistance (Amir & Gati, 2006; Campbell &
Cellini, 1981; Gati & Asher, 2001; Gati, Krausz, & Osipow, 1996). Hence, indecisiveness
(personal indecisiveness) is discussed as an important issue (Germeijs, Verschueren, & Soenens,
2006; Santos, 2001).
Personal indecisiveness, which in the related literature is also known as the concept of
general indecisiveness (Gati, et al., 1996) or chronic indecisiveness (Osipow, 1999), is a type of
*Assoc. Prof. Dr, Gazi University, Faculty of Gazi Education, Psychological Counseling and Guidance Program.
koztemel@gmail.com, oztemel@gazi.edu.tr

Five-Factor Personality Characteristics and Self-Esteem as Predictors of Personal Indecisiveness 113
indecisiveness that makes the entire lives of individual difficult, including their career decisions
(Bacanlı, 2005; Cooper, Fuqua, & Hartman, 1984; Gati et al., 1996; Germeijs & De Boeck,
2002). Personal indecisiveness is a different process from career indecision. While career
indecision is assumed to be a normal part of human development, personal indecisiveness is not a
part of human development, rather it is a personality trait that can be generalized to all decision
making situations (Bacanlı, 2005; Cooper et al., 1984; Germeijs et al., 2006; Osipow, 1999).
Personal indecisiveness involves some chronic decision making problems, such as longer
periods of decision making, the feeling of uncertainty throughout the decision making process,
the tendency to postpone and escape from decisions, the feeling of worry and regret after
decisions, decision instability, handing the decision over to someone else, and leaving the
decision making to others (Germeijs & De Boeck, 2002; Germeijs & Verschueren, 2011; Rassin,
2007; Van Matre & Cooper, 1984). These problems obstruct individuals from organizing their
own surroundings and thoughts in a fast and consistent way (Rassin & Muris, 2005). Therefore,
personal indecisiveness is considered a problem that has significant negative conclusions in
individuals’ lives (Gaffner & Hazler, 2002; Gati & Asher, 2001; Gati et al., 1996). Salomone
(1982) defines indecisive individuals as people with low self-confidence and low self-esteem and
with typical personality traits, such as unhappiness, high emotional dilemma and frustration,
external locus of control and the tendency to blame others for their positions. Further, indecisive
people may experience indecisiveness before reaching a conclusion (in other words, reaching a
decision) since they need more information, and thus this situation may cause decision making
problems (Rassin & Muris, 2005; Reed, 1985). Similarly, Savickas (2004) defines indecisive
individuals as people characterized by chronic anxiety and a lack of problem-solving skills.
Therefore, personal indecisiveness is a continuous indecisiveness, the roots of which are based on
personality characteristics (Osipow, 1999).
Since personal indecisiveness is one of the most important problems in theories, research
and practice, particularly in career psychology (Bacanlı, 2006), several studies have tried to
understand the structure of personal indecisiveness (e.g., Bacanlı, 2006; Cooper et al., 1984;
Germeijs & De Boeck, 2002). In addition this personal indecisiveness is seen as a separate
construct from indecision. Germeijs and De Boeck (2002) have stated that indecisiveness is
distinct from other forms of indecision. Research have shown that personal indecisiveness has a
significant negative impact on individuals’ behavior for many decisional status. Therefore, efforts
to understand the structure of personal indecisiveness and measure have gradually increased.
Among these efforts, Frost and Shows (1993) and Germeijs and De Boeck (2002) shed
light on understanding indecisiveness by developing the scale of indecisiveness. Particularly,
Germeijs and De Boeck stated that indecisiveness is a multidimensional construct covering a
variety of features and developed an indecisiveness scale. Similarly, Bacanlı (2000; 2005)
developed a personal indecisiveness scale in order to measure personal indecisiveness. It was
hypothesized that personal indecisiveness has a multi-dimensional structure, just like career
indecision, and it was supported with research that personal indecisiveness is composed of two
sub-dimensions: exploratory indecisiveness and impetuous indecisiveness (e.g., Bacanlı, 2006;
Sardoğan, Karahan, & Kaygusuz, 2006; Sarı, 2007; Öztemel, 2013). Exploratory indecisiveness
includes the difficulty experienced in decision making, the fear of making mistakes, unstable
decisions, searching for information, the panic and inconsistency experienced under time pressure
and the long period of decision making, even if all the choices have been investigated while
making a decision. Impetuous indecisiveness includes properties such as being impatient,
changing decisions, the fear of losing opportunities, thinking carelessly, trying to get rid of the
responsibility at once, insufficiency, difficulty in searching for information, deciding quickly and
giving up such decisions easily (Bacanlı, 2000, 2005; Potworowski, 2010).

Kemal Öztemel
114
As stated above, research has shown that personal indecisiveness associated with some
personality characteristics. Moreover the structure of personal indecisiveness has still been
investigated (Germeijs & Verschueren, 2011; Rassin, 2007; Rassin & Muris, 2005). Therefore,
the present study aims to contribute more in conceptualizing personal indecisiveness by
examining some personality characteristics such as big five personality characteristics, and self-
esteem.
1.1. Personal Indecisiveness and Five-Factor Personality Characteristics
Previous studies demonstrated that indecisiveness is associated with personality
characteristics such as neuroticism (Jackson, Furnham, & Lawty-Jones, 1999), low self-esteem
(Bacanlı, 2006; Burka & Yuen, 1983; Lo Cascio & LeClair, 2011; Sarı, 2007), procrastination
(Beswick, Rothblum, & Mann, 1988; Effert & Ferrari, 1989), obsessive-compulsive tendencies
(Frost & Shows, 1993; Gayton, Clavin, Clavin, & Broida, 1994), and perfectionism (Frost &
Shows, 1993; Gayton et al., 1994). Yet, studies investigating the relationships between personal
indecisiveness and five factor personality characteristics seem to be insufficient (Germeijs &
Verschueren, 2011). Therefore, there is a need to clarify the relationships between personal
indecisiveness and five factor personality characteristics. Moreover, it may shed light on our
understanding of the connection between personality traits and indecisiveness that we examine
the relationships between personal indecisiveness and five factor personality characteristics.
Based on the previous studies conducted (Di Fabio, 2006; Di Fabio & Palazzeschi, 2012,
2013; Germeijs & Verschueren, 2011; Jackson et al., 1999; Milgram & Tenne, 2000; Shafer,
2000), in the present study, it is investigated whether the five-factor personality characteristics
predicts two subtypes of personal indecisiveness (exploratory indecisiveness and impetuous
indecisiveness).
1.2. Personal Indecisiveness and Self-Esteem
Decision making can be seen as an expression of one’s self-concept in a sense (Super,
1953). One of the factors that play an important role in individual’s realizing self-concept is self-
esteem (Chartrand, Robbins, Morril, & Boggs, 1990). Self-esteem helps individuals develop their
potential and self-worth (Saka & Gati, 2007) and it also ensures that reasonable and more rational
decisions are taken in the process of decision making (Burnett, 1991). Examining the
relationships between personal indecisiveness and self-esteem may contribute to our
understanding the interactions between self-esteem as a factor of personality and indecisiveness.
Previous studies showed that there are some relationships between personal indecisiveness and
self-esteem. In most studies that put forth these relations, relationships have been found between
high indecisiveness and low self-esteem (Bacanlı, 2006; Lo Cascio, Guzzo, Pace, & Pace, 2013;
Santos, 2001; Sarı, 2007; Wulff & Steitz, 1999). Therefore, based on the previously conducted
studies (e.g., Bacanlı, 2006; Lo Cascio et al., 2013; Saka & Gati, 2007; Sarı, 2007) in the present
study, it is investigated whether the self-esteem predicts two subtypes of personal indecisiveness
(exploratory indecisiveness and impetuous indecisiveness).
In conclusion, the purpose of this study is to examine whether the five-factor personality
characteristics and self-esteem predict two subtypes of personal indecisiveness (exploratory
indecisiveness and impetuous indecisiveness). It is expected that the results of this study will
make us understand the multi-dimensional structure of personal indecisiveness and provide
theoretical information on relevant literature. Additionally, it is thought that the results of this
study will guide the practical research that aims at helping people deal with their personal
decision making problems.

Five-Factor Personality Characteristics and Self-Esteem as Predictors of Personal Indecisiveness 115
2. METHOD
2.1. Participants
A total of 483 students (269 female and 208 male) studying at five different faculties of
Gazi University in Ankara, which is the capital of Turkey and one of the biggest metropolises,
participated in the study (6 of the students did not state gender). The age interval of participants
varied between 18 and 31 (M=21.70, SD=2.15) and they participated in the study voluntarily. A
total of 83 students (17%) were studying in the first year (freshman), 101 (21%) in the second
year (sophomore), 149 (31%) in the third year (junior), and 150 of them (31%) were studying in
the fourth year (senior).
2.2. Instruments
2.2.1. Personal indecisiveness scale (PIS)
The PIS was developed by Bacanlı (2005) in order to measure personal indecisiveness. It is
a five-point Likert scale (1= not at all proper for me, 5= completely proper for me) and
composed of 18 items. A high score received from the scale shows the level of indecisiveness.
There are two sub-scales: exploratory indecisiveness (EIS; 10 items, i.e., “I think for hours, even
when deciding on simple things.”) and impetuous indecisiveness (IIS; 8 items, i.e., “I consider
myself an impetuous person”). The construct validity of the PIS was tested by using the
exploratory factor analysis. As a conclusion, it has been found that the scale has a two-factor
structure. The two factors explained 43% of total variance. Bacanlı reports that the Cronbach’s
Alpha coefficients calculated for the reliability of the scale were found to be .90, .88 and .85 for
the total PIS, EIS and IIS, respectively. The coefficients of indecisiveness calculated with the
technique of re-test after three weeks were found as .84 for the whole scale, .84 for the EIS and
.78 IIS. Many studies have supported the validity of the PIS (e.g., Bacanlı, 2006; Büyükgöze-
Kavas, 2014; Öztemel, 2014: Sarı, 2007). In the present sample (N = 483) the Cronbach alpha
internal-consistency reliability estimates were .92, .89, and .93 for the EIS, IIS, and total PIS,
respectively.
2.2.2. Adjective-based personality test (ABPT)
ABPT developed by Bacanlı, İlhan and Aslan (2009) based on five-factor personality
theory is a 1 to 7 rating Likert scale including 40 opposite pairs of adjectives. As a result of the
factor analysis made, a five-factor structure was obtained as neuroticism (i.e. “calm- nervous”),
extraversion (i.e. “prefers isolation – sociable/loves crowds”), openness to experience (i.e.
“ordinary - innovative”), agreeableness (i.e. “revengeful - forgiving”) and conscientiousness (i.e.
“neat - untidy”). These five factors explain 53% of the total variance of the scale. The reliability
coefficients obtained for each sub-scale with a re-test method in the reliability study of the scale
vary between .68 and .85 for five sub-scales. The Cronbach Alpha coefficients were found to be
.73 for neuroticism, .89 for extraversion, .80 for openness to experience, .87 for agreeableness
and .88 for conscientiousness (Bacanlı et al., 2009). In the present study, the Cronbach-alpha
internal-consistency reliabilities were .68, .87, .78, .83, and .83 for the neuroticism, extraversion,
openness to experience, agreeableness, and conscientiousness, respectively.
2.2.3. Rosenberg self-esteem scale (RSES)
The RSES was developed by Rosenberg (1965) to measure adolescents’ global self-esteem.
The scale consists of 10 items expressing five positive (e.g., ‘‘On the whole I am satisfied with

Kemal Öztemel
116
myself’’) and five negative (e.g., ‘‘At times, I think I am no good at all’’) views of self-esteem.
Individuals were asked to rate to degree to which they agree with each item on a 4-point Likert
scale (1 = strongly disagree and 4 = strongly agree). The Turkish version of the RSES was
developed by Çuhadaroğlu (1986). As in the original scale, the Turkish version of the scale has
five positive and five negative items. The Turkish version of the RSES is scored according to the
key. The scores range from 0 to 6 points and high scores indicate high self-esteem. Çuhadaroğlu
found that there had been significant differences between the normal adolescents and the neurotic
adolescents/the psychotic adolescent for the construct validity of the RSES. Test-re-test reliability
of the scale, which is performed in four weeks intervals, was found as .71. Results from various
studies regarding the reliability of the scale prove that the tool is reliable and valid. For instance,
Özmen and Hatipoğlu Sümer (2011) found the Cronbach’s alpha reliability as .81. Öztemel
(2014) found the Cronbach’s alpha reliability as .80. Tuğrul (1994) calculated the Cronbach’s
alpha reliability as .76. Maşrabacı (1994) found the test-retest reliability coefficient that was made
in 3 weeks interval as .78. In the present research, the Cronbach-alpha internal-consistency
reliability was .76.
2.3. Procedure
The instruments were administered by the researcher that was approximately 20 to 25
minutes in duration. It was emphasized that the session was voluntary and confidential. Firstly,
students were informed about the research purposes and what was expected from them. Next,
they were reminded that they could obtain the findings of the study from the researchers if they
wanted.
3. FINDINGS
3.1. Correlations
As seen in Table 1, exploratory indecisiveness has a positive relationship with neuroticism
and a negative relationship with extraversion, agreeableness and conscientiousness. In addition to
this, there are moderate negative relationships between exploratory indecisiveness and self-
esteem. The correlation between exploratory indecisiveness and agreeableness is not significant.
Table 1: Means and standard deviations of the variables and correlations among the variables
(N=483)
Variables
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
1. EIS
1.00
.563**
.363**
-.304**
-.236**
-.084
-.151**
-.446**
2. IIS
1.00
.311**
-.150**
-.194**
-.114*
-.258**
.-356**
3. ABPT-Ne
1.00
-.055
-.057
-.083
.026
-.333**
4. ABPT-Ex
1.00
.682**
.397**
.446**
.313**
5. ABPT-OpEx
1.00
.516**
.456**
.218**
6. ABPT-Ag
1.00
.516**
.122**
7. ABPT-Co
1.00
.223**
8. RSES
1.00
Mean
26.02
18.24
3.37
5.09
5.27
5.53
5.24
4.76
SD
9.14
6.52
1.02
1.09
.96
.99
1.10
1.37
Note: EIS = Exploratory Indecisiveness scale; IIS = Impetuous Indecisiveness scale; ABPT-Ne = Adjective-Based
Personality Test-Neuroticism; ABPT-Ex = Adjective-Based Personality Test-Extraversion; ABPT-OpEx = Adjective-
Based Personality Test-Openness to Experience; ABPT-Ag = Adjective-Based Personality Test-Agreeableness;
ABPT-Co = Adjective-Based Personality Test-Conscientiousness; RSES = Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale.
*p < 0.05, **p < 0.01

Five-Factor Personality Characteristics and Self-Esteem as Predictors of Personal Indecisiveness 117
Similarly, impetuous indecisiveness has a positive relationship with neuroticism and a
negative relationship with extraversion, openness to experience, agreeableness and
conscientiousness. A medium level of negative relationship exists between impetuous
indecisiveness and self-esteem.
3.2. Regression Analysis
In order to indicate the unique contribution of five-factor personality characteristics and
self-esteem in predicting exploratory indecisiveness, five-factor personality characteristics
(neuroticism, extraversion, openness to experience, agreeableness and conscientiousness) and
self-esteem scores were used as predictors in multiple linear regression analysis. Results are
shown in Table 2.
Table 2: Results of multiple regression analysis regarding predicting exploratory indecisiveness
Variables
B
SE
β
t
Constant
34.941
2.963
11.792
ABPT-Ne
2.337
.372
.261
6.276*
ABPT-Ex
-1.457
.463
-.174
-3.150**
ABPT-OpEx
-.680
.543
-.072
-1.253
ABPT-Ag
.886
.452
.094
1.917
ABPT-Co
-.247
.401
-.030
-.618
RSES
-1.954
-.290
-.294
-6.732*
Note: ABPT-Ne = Adjective-Based Personality Test-Neuroticism, ABPT-Ex = Adjective-Based Personality Test-
Extraversion, ABPT-OpEx = Adjective-Based Personality Test-Openness to Experience, ABPT-Ag = Adjective-
Based Personality Test-Agreeableness, ABPT-Co = Adjective-Based Personality Test-Conscientiousness. RSES =
Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale.
* p <.001, **p <.005., R = .54; R2 = .29; F(6-475) = 32.679
As it can be understood from Table 2, multiple R was found to be R = .54; R2 = .29; F(6-
475) = 32.679 (p<.001). When Table 2 is examined, it is seen that t test results show that self-
esteem, neuroticism and extraversion significantly predict exploratory indecisiveness. Self-esteem
(β = -.29, t = -6.732, p =.000) is the strongest predictor of exploratory indecisiveness and
neuroticism (β = .26, t = 6.276, p = .000) and extraversion (β = -.17, t = -3.150, p = .002) follow it
respectively. All of the predictor variables (self-esteem, neuroticism, extraversion, openness to
experience, agreeableness and conscientiousness) explained 29% of the total variance regarding
exploratory indecisiveness as a whole.
Similarly, in predicting impetuous indecisiveness, five-factor personality characteristics
(neuroticism, extraversion, openness to experience, agreeableness and conscientiousness) and
self-esteem scores were used as predictors in multiple regression analysis. The results of multiple
regression analysis are shown in Table 3. As it can be understood from Table 3; multiple R was
found to be R = .47; R2 = .22; F(6-475) = 22.628 (p < .001). The results of t test regarding
predictor variables show that self-esteem, neuroticism, openness to experience and
conscientiousness significantly predict impetuous indecisiveness. Neuroticism (β = .25, t = 5.647,
p = .000) is the strongest predictor of impetuous indecisiveness, followed by conscientiousness (β
= -.24, t = -4.780, p = .000), self-esteem (β = -.23, t = -5.090, p = .000) and openness to
experience (β = -.13, t = -2.166, p = .031), respectively. All of the predictor variables (self-
esteem, neuroticism, extraversion, openness to experience, agreeableness, and conscientiousness)
explained 22% of the total variance regarding impetuous indecisiveness as a whole.

Kemal Öztemel
118
Table 3: Results of multiple regression analysis regarding predicting impetuous indecisiveness
Predictor
Variables
B
SE
β
t
Constant
24.199
2.217
10.914
ABPT-Ne
1.574
.279
.246
5.647*
ABPT-Ex
.581
.346
.097
1.677
ABPT-OpEx
-.880
.406
-.130
-2.166**
ABPT-Ag
.575
.338
.087
1.701
ABPT-Co
-1.433
.300
-.242
-4.780*
RSES
-1.106
-.217
-.233
-5.090*
Note: ABPT-Ne = Adjective-Based Personality Test- Neuroticism , ABPT-Ex = Adjective-Based Personality Test-
Extraversion, ABPT-OpEx = Adjective-Based Personality Test- Openness to Experience, ABPT-Ag = Adjective-
Based Personality Test-Agreeableness, ABPT-Co = Adjective-Based Personality Test-Conscientiousness. RSES =
Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale.
* p <.001, **p <.05., R = .47; R2 = .22; F(6-475) = 22.628
4. DISCUSSION and CONCLUSIONS
The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between personal indecisiveness
and self-esteem and five-factor personality characteristics, which is widely accepted in defining
personality traits and thus to contribute to the conceptualization of personal indecisiveness.
When the results of the study are generally examined, it is seen that relationships between the
predictor variables and the predicted variables are significant. The result of the study supported
the theoretical views related to with personal indecisiveness that supports the hypothesis that
indecisiveness is related with personality traits and empirical studies conducted accordingly (e.g.,
Germeijs and Verschueren, 2011; Gati et al., 2011).
Negative relationships were found between both types of personal indecisiveness and self-
esteem and it became one of the significant predictors in predicting both exploratory and
impetuous indecisiveness. Individuals with low self-esteem were found to have high levels of
exploratory and impetuous indecisiveness. These findings are similar to the findings of studies
examining the relationship between decision making and self-esteem (e.g., Bacanlı, 2006;
Güçray, 2005; Haraburda, 1998; Mann, Harmoni, & Power, 1989; Sarı, 2007). Results obtained
demonstrate that self-esteem has a role in both exploratory and impetuous indecisiveness and that
an individual’s self-esteem is a significant variable in dealing with the types of indecisiveness
which make personal decision making difficult.
When results regarding exploratory indecisiveness and five-factor personality
characteristics are considered, neuroticism was found to be positively related to exploratory
indecisiveness and it became one of the significant predictors of exploratory indecisiveness. This
finding shows that these two negative personality traits are related to each other. In other words, it
can be said that boredom, anxiety and tendencies towards negative feelings, which are the aspects
of neuroticism (Germeijs & Verscheuren, 2011) are related to worry, regret, uncertainty and
giving up the decision, which are the aspects of exploratory indecisiveness. Neuroticism is a
negative personality trait with aspects such as anger, anxiety, depression, prolonged negative
feelings and perceiving ordinary situations as threats (McCrae & Costa, 2003). When exploratory
indecisive individuals’ characteristics are considered, it is seen that these individuals have
common attributes: fear of making mistakes, making inconsistent decisions, giving up their
decisions despite undertaking decision making and having the tendency to take a long time to
decide. Neurotic individuals are the ones who show inconsistencies in their behaviors and

Five-Factor Personality Characteristics and Self-Esteem as Predictors of Personal Indecisiveness 119
decisions (McCrae & Costa, 2003). Thus, the fact that exploratory indecisiveness is related to
neuroticism, which is a negative personality trait, reveals that both exploratory indecisiveness and
neuroticism are undesireable personality traits and the significance of neuroticism in dealing with
exploratory indecisiveness.
Extraversion was found to be negatively related to exploratory indecisiveness and became
the other significant predictor of exploratory indecisiveness. This finding is consistent with those
found by Page, Bruch, and Haase, (2008) and Pečjak and Košir (2007). A possible explanation for
this finding can be that extraverted individuals tended to live more socially and more effectively,
to experience more positive emotions (McCrae & Costa, 2003) and encounter lower exploratory
indecisiveness. In other words, individuals who effectively communicate with others have a low
level of exploratory indecisiveness. Also, it can be expected that individuals who are sociable,
friendly, alive and talkative in their decision making approach have lower levels of exploratory
indecisiveness (Lounsbury, Hutchens, & Loveland, 2005). Indeed, findings obtained by Gati et al.
(2011) support this finding.
When results regarding the impetuous indecisiveness type of personal indecisiveness and
five-factor personality characteristics are considered, impetuous indecisiveness was predicted
with neuroticism being the first, followed by conscientiousness, self-esteem and openness to
experience, respectively (when considered β coefficients) . Moreover, it was found that
neuroticism was positively related with impetuous indecisiveness. This is a consistent finding
with the findings from the previous studies (e.g., Kelly & Shin, 2009; Lounsbury et al., 2005;
Page et al., 2008). Also, this finding shows that neuroticism has a role in impetuous
indecisiveness. Based on this finding, it is seen that an individual’s emotional stability is
important in terms of dealing with the impetuous indecisiveness type which makes personal
decision making harder, and that these two negative personality traits are related to each other. It
can be said that anger, anxiety, depression, prolonged negative feelings and perceiving ordinary
situations as threats, boredom, worries and a tendency towards negative feelings, which are the
aspects of neuroticism (Germeijs & Verscheuren, 2011; McCrae & Costa, 2003) are related to
experiences such as impetuousness, anxiety, negligence, not thinking in depth, trying to get rid of
the decision quickly and giving up the decision, which are the aspects of impetuous
indecisiveness. This finding obtained in this study is consistent with the findings of similar
studies (e.g., Kelly & Shin, 2009; Lounsbury et al., 2005; Page et al., 2008).
Conscientiousness was found to be negatively related to impetuous indecisiveness and
became an important predictor for impetuous indecisiveness. This finding is consistent with the
studies showing that conscientiousness and indecisiveness are related (Gati et al., 2011; Germeijs
& Verschueren, 2011; Lounsbury et al., 2005; Lounsbury, Tatum, Chambers, Owens, & Gibson,
1999; Page et al., 2008; Pečjak & Košir, 2007). When the aspects of impetuous indecisiveness are
considered, it is not surprising that conscientiousness, which indicates such traits as being tidy,
systematic, organized, negotiating, competent and reliable (McCrae & Costa, 2003), is negatively
related to impetuous indecisiveness and becomes one of the predictors of impetuous
indecisiveness. At this point, individuals who are tidy and organized in their decision making
approaches can be expected to have a high level of decisiveness in making their own decisions
and they can be thought to behave more systematically in decision making rather than being
impetuous (Lounsbury et al., 1999).
Openness to experience was found to be negatively related to both sub-types of personal
indecisiveness and became the predictor for impetuous indecisiveness. Individuals who are more
open to new experiences are more likely to discover decision alternatives from the input of
teachers, family, counselors and other sources of information (Lounsbury et al., 2005).

Kemal Öztemel
120
4.1. Counseling Implications
The relationship between both sub-types of personal indecisiveness and five-factor
personality characteristics and self-esteem was found as expected. Therefore, it seems to be
beneficial to consider mentioned personality characteristics in dealing with indecisiveness
because indecisiveness not only affects the decision making process (for instance the time of a
decision), it also influence the content of decisions. As well, meeting with uncertain situations
increases indecisiveness, which has effects such as anxiety, depressive state of mind, a tendency
towards anxiety and low tolerance for uncertainty (Rassin & Muris, 2005). Since indecisiveness
has a cognitive origin as well (Austin, Wagner, & Dahl, 2004) interventions should assist the
individual in reducing cognitive difficulties by providing information about decision making
strategies, self and personality. However, despite this, it may not be enough to only provide
information for some indecisive individuals who feel the need to make a decision (Germeijs,
Verschueren, & Soenens, 2006). Therefore, psychological counselors should encourage clients
about using the information as well as providing them with it. It was found in the study that
individuals with low self-esteem had higher levels of both impetuousness and exploratory
indecisiveness. Based on this finding, psychological counseling practices for the ones who ask for
assistance with indecisiveness should focus on improving individuals’ level of self-esteem.
Hence, ensuring that the individual gets the feeling of self-confidence may increase the power of
decision making. Also, counselors should negotiate and discuss about any decision their clients
make so that they will help their clients make decisions easily.
4.2. Limitations
Although the results support relevance of personality characteristics in predicting personal
indecisiveness, there are some limitations in this research. First, because this study is a
correlational and cross sectional study, it emphasizes the relationship between personal
indecisiveness and personality characteristics. However, future research is needed to replicate and
verify this relationship through confirmatory analysis. Second, it cannot be assumed that the
personality characteristics (e.g., neuroticism and self-esteem) had a causal influence on the
personal indecisiveness. In other words, it is impossible to determine whether certain personality
characteristics lead to personal indecisiveness. Therefore, future research should focus on
longitudinal research that may help to determine causes of personal indecisiveness. Thus, the
underlying dynamics of personal indecisiveness may be realized through longitudinal research.
In brief, considering the findings of this study, there is a need to review whether
relationships observed between personal indecisiveness and five-factor personality characteristics
and self-esteem are in the similar groups. Also, it seems beneficial to examine whether personal
indecisiveness affects the content of decision making in other fields (such as career decision
making). Rassin and Muris (2005) argue that indecisiveness requires an intense level of
psychological counseling intervention focusing on the individual’s personality traits, such as
continuous anxiety and compulsive disorder. When considered from this perspective, the results
of the present study emphasize the importance of focusing on personality characteristics (e.g.
neuroticism, self-esteem) in problems of people experiencing personal indecisiveness. As a result,
findings obtained from this study support the view that personal indecisiveness, which requires
intervention in career decision making and personal decision making literature, is a problem
based on personality but not an ordinary part of human development (Bacanlı, 2006; Cooper et
al., 1984; Germeijs & De Boeck, 2002, Osipow, 1999).

Five-Factor Personality Characteristics and Self-Esteem as Predictors of Personal Indecisiveness 121
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Geniş Özet
İlgili literatürde genel veya kronik kararsızlık kavramlarıyla da adlandırılan kişisel kararsızlık
bireyin kariyer kararı başta olmak üzere tüm yaşamını güçleştiren bir kararsızlık tipidir. Kişisel kararsızlık
uzun karar verme süresi, karar verme süreci boyunca belirsizlik duygusu, kararları erteleme ve karardan
kaçma eğilimi, verilen karardan endişe ve pişmanlık duygusu, karar istikrarsızlığı, başka birisi için karardan
vazgeçme ve kararı başkalarına bırakma gibi kronik karar verme problemlerini içermekte ve bireyin kendi
çevresini ve kendi düşüncelerini hızlı ve tutarlı bir biçimde organize etmesini engellemektedir. Bu nedenle
kişisel kararsızlık bireyin yaşamında önemli olumsuz sonuçlar doğuran bir kişilik özelliği olarak kabul
edilmektedir.
Kişilik özelliklerinin kişisel kararsızlık ile ilişkisi uzun süredir araştırmacıların ilgisini çekmektedir.
Giderek artan bir sayıda araştırmacı beş faktör kişilik özellikleri, mükemmelliyetçilik, erteleme ve öz saygı
gibi bazı kişilik özellikleriyle kişisel kararsızlık arasındaki ilişkilere odaklanmaktadır. Bulgular kişisel
karasızlık ile beş faktör kişilik özellikleri (özellikle nevrotizm) arasında ilişkilerin olduğuna işaret
etmektedir. Örneğin daha yüksek kişisel kararsızlık yaşayan bireylerin nevrotizmin özelliği olan sıkıntı,
kaygı ve olumsuz duygulara daha fazla eğilimli oldukları bulunmuştur. Bunun yanında daha sosyal, daha
etkin ve daha fazla olumlu duygu yaşama eğiliminde olan dışadönük bireylerin daha düşük kararsızlık
yaşadıkları sonucuna ulaşılmıştır. Benzer şekilde kişisel kararsızlık ile öz saygı arasında da ilişkiler
bulunmuştur. Kişisel kararsızlık ile öz saygı arasındaki ilişkileri incelemek, bir kişilik bileşeni olan öz saygı
ve kararsızlık arasındaki etkileşimleri anlamamıza katkı sağlayabilir. Bu ilişkileri ortaya koyan çoğu
araştırmada yüksek kararsızlık ile düşük öz saygı arasında ilişkiler bulunmuştur. Kişisel kararsızlık ile beş
faktör kişilik özellikleri ve öz saygı arasındaki ilişkileri incelemeye yönelik araştırmacıların artan ilgisine
karşın, bu değişkenler arasındaki ilişkileri inceleyen araştırmalar hala yetersizdir. Dolayısıyla bu
araştırmada beş faktör kişilik özelliklerinin ve öz saygının kişisel kararsızlığın iki alt boyutu olan araştırıcı
kararsızlığı ve aceleci kararsızlığı yordayıp yordamadığının araştırılması amaçlanmıştır.
Araştırmaya Gazi Üniversitesi’nin beş farklı fakültesinde öğrenim gören 483 (269 kız, 208 erkek)
öğrenci katılmıştır (6 öğrenci cinsiyet belirtmemiştir). Katılımcıların yaş ortalaması 21.70 (Ss = 2.15), en
düşük ve en yüksek yaş 18 ve 31 arasında değişmektedir. Araştırmada kullanılan araçlar tek bir oturumda
yaklaşık 20-25 dakikalık bir sürede araştırmacının bizzat katılımıyla uygulanmıştır. Öğrenciler araştırma
konusunda bilgilendirilerek araştırmanın amaçlarından söz edilmiş ve arkasından gönüllü öğrencilere

Kemal Öztemel
124
Kişisel Kararsızlık Ölçeği (KKÖ), Sıfatlara Dayalı Kişilik Testi (SDKT) ve Rosenberg Öz Saygı Ölçeği
(RÖSÖ) uygulanmıştır.
Verilerin analizinde değişkenler arasındaki ilişkileri incelemek için Pearson momentler çarpımı
korelasyon katsayısı hesaplanmıştır. Araştırıcı ve aceleci kararsızlığın yordanmasında ise çoklu doğrusal
regresyon analizi kullanılmıştır. Araştırıcı kararsızlığın yordanmasında öz saygı (en güçlü yordayıcı),
nevrotizm ve dışadönüklük, aceleci kararsızlığın yordanmasında ise öz saygı, nevrotizm (en güçlü
yordayıcı), sorumluluk ve deneyime açıklık önemli yordayıcılar olmuştur.
Bulgulardan görüleceği üzere öz saygı hem araştırıcı hem de aceleci kararsızlığın yordanmasında
önemli yordaycılardan biri olmuştur. Öz saygı düzeyi düşük bireylerin araştırıcı ve aceleci kararsızlık
düzeylerinin yüksek bulunduğu söylenebilir. Bu sonuçlar karar verme ve öz saygı arasındaki ilişkileri
inceleyen araştırma sonuçlarıyla benzerlik göstermektedir. Elde edilen sonuçlar öz saygının hem araştırıcı
hem de aceleci kararsızlıkta rolü olduğunu ve kişisel karar vermeyi güçleştiren kararsızlık tipleriyle başa
çıkmada bireyin öz saygısının önemli bir değişken olduğunu göstermektedir. Araştırmada elde edilen
bulgulardan birisi de hem araştırıcı kararsızlığın hem de aceleci kararsızlığın yordanmasında nevrotizmin
önemli yordayıcılardan birisi olmasıdır. Bu bulgu iki olumsuz kişilik özelliğinin birbiriyle ilişkili olduğunu
göstermektedir. Bir başka ifadeyle nevrotizmin özelliği olan sıkıntı, kaygı, olumsuz duygulara eğilim,
endişe, bunalım, olumsuz duygusal tepkilerin uzun sürmesi ve olağan durumları tehdit edici olarak algılama
gibi özelliklerin araştırıcı ve aceleci kararsızlığın özellikleri olan endişe, pişmanlık, belirsizlik, sabırsızlık,
baştan savma, derinlemesine düşünmeme, karardan bir an önce kurtulmaya çalışma ve karardan vazgeçme
gibi yaşantılarla ilişkili olduğu söylenebilir. Araştırmada elde edilen bu bulgu daha önce yapılan benzer
araştırmalarda elde edilen bulgularla uyumludur.
Özetle ifade etmek gerekirse kişisel kararsızlığın her iki alt tipiyle beş faktör kişilik özellikleri ve öz
saygının ilişkiler olduğu bulunmuştur. Bu nedenle kararsızlıkla baş etmede sözü edilen kişilik özelliklerinin
dikkate alınması yararlı gibi gözükmektedir. Bununla birlikte belirsiz durumlarla karşılaşma kararsızlığı
artırmakta ve etkisi kaygı, depresif ruh hali, endişe eğilimi ve belirsizliğe tolerans göstermeme gibi
durumlara da eşlik etmektedir. Kararsızlığın bilişsel bir kökeni de olduğundan müdahaleler bireye karar
verme stratejileri, öz ve kişilik hakkında bilgi sağlayarak bilişsel zorlukları azaltmaya yardım etmelidir.
Ancak buna rağmen herhangi bir seçimde bulunmaya ihtiyaç duyan kararsız bireylere sadece bilgi
sağlamak yeterli olmayabilir. Bu nedenle psikolojik danışmanlar bilgi sağlamanın yanı sıra bilginin
kullanılması konusunda danışanları cesaretlendirmelidirler. Araştırmalar kişisel kararsızlığın, sürekli kaygı
ve kompulsif bozukluk gibi bireyin kişilik özelliklerine dikkat çekerek yoğun bir psikolojik danışma
müdahalesi gerektirdiğini ileri sürmektedir. Bu açıdan düşünüldüğünde mevcut çalışmanın sonuçları kişisel
kararsızlık yaşayan danışanların problemlerinde kişilik özelliklerini (örn., nevrotizm, öz saygı) dikkate
almanın önemli olabileceği konusunda ipuçları vermektedir. Bu çalışmada elde edilen bulgular, kişisel
kararsızlığın kişiliğe dayalı bir karar verme problemi olduğu ve insan gelişiminin sıradan bir parçası
olmadığı fikrini desteklemektedir.
Citation Information
Öztemel, K. (2016). Five-factor personality characteristics and self-esteem as predictors of personal indecisiveness.
Hacettepe University Journal of Education [Hacettepe Üniversitesi Eğitim Fakültesi Dergisi], 31(1), 112-124.