PERSONALITY TRAITS AND ADAPTIVE CAPACITY IN WATER RESOURCE-DEPENDENT COMMUNITIES

Abstract

Communities that rely on water resources are facing increased climate variability and environmental stressors. While the existing scholarship has looked into infrastructure and institutional frameworks as influences on adaptive capacity, the individual psychological traits of people has received less attention. This study looks into how personality traits shape adaptive capacity in within these specific communities. Through a mixed-methods approach, data was gathered from 300 respondents using standard personalities and adaptive capacity indicators which led to the formation of an Adaptive Capacity Index (ACI). Through statistical tests, it was determined that personality traits such as openness, conscientiousness, and emotional stability greatly bolster adaptive capacity. Traits such as neuroticism, on the other hand, proved detrimental. Qualitative interviews illustrated personality-driven resilience behaviors, thereby reinforcing ACI findings. Scores measuring adaptive capacity varied starkly along personality traits highlighting the significance of psychological profiles in strategies for community-based adaptation. This reinforces the assumption that infrastructure alone is not sufficient; psychologically adaptive frameworks and behavioral dynamics are equally necessary. By bridging personality assessment and climate resilience planning, these findings prove that adaptation programs can and should be community-specific.