Relationship between social participation and personality traits among stoke patients:a cross-sectional study

Social participation is a core indicator for assessing an individual's functional status and rehabilitation outcomes. Stroke patients often experience "participation restrictions" due to physical and psychological dysfunctions, which is one of the most prominent sequelae. Previous research has primarily focused on the impact of physiological and psychological factors on social participation, while relatively neglecting the role of relatively stable personality traits. Personality traits influence an individual's coping style and psychological resilience in responding to events. Preliminary evidence suggests a certain correlation between personality traits and social participation, though the specific mechanisms remain unclear. Therefore, this study aims to explore the specific impact of personality traits on social participation in stroke patients, identify relevant personality factors, and provide a basis for promoting individualized rehabilitation interventions.

A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 326 stroke patients admitted to the rehabilitation department of a tertiary hospital in [Guangzhou, Guangdong, China] between August 2022 and November 2023. Participants were assessed using a self-designed general information questionnaire, Activity Card Sort (ACS), and Chinese Big Five Personality Inventory Brief Version (CBF-PI-B). Data were analyzed using SPSS software (version 23.0).Descriptive statistics,Pearson correlation analysis, and multiple linear regression analysis were employed to examine the relationships and identify influencing factors.

The mean score for social participation activities was (38.77 ± 9.61). Pearson correlation analysis revealed that conscientiousness (r = 0.212, p < 0.001), openness (r = 0.205, p < 0.05), and extraversion (r = 0.303, p < 0.001) were positively correlated with social participation. In contrast, neuroticism showed a significant negative correlation (r = -0.473, p < 0.001). Multiple linear regression analysis indicated that modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score (β = -4.066, p < 0.001), National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score (β = -0.591, p < 0.05), modified Barthel index score (β = 1.232, p < 0.05), neuroticism (β = -0.332, p < 0.01), and extraversion (β = 0.346, p < 0.01) were significant predictors of social participation, collectively explaining 5 7.8% of the variance (Adjusted R² = 0.551).

Social participation levels among stroke patients were suboptimal. Higher levels of conscientiousness, extraversion, and self-care ability were associated with greater social participation, whereas more severe stroke-related disability (higher mRS and NIHSS scores) and neuroticism were associated with reduced participation. These findings support the integration of personality assessment into rehabilitation planning to promote social engagement in stroke survivors.