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Personality, purpose, and wellbeing: a comparison of Iranian and U.S. telecommuters during the COVID-19 pandemic

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: The present study compared employees in Iran and the United States to examine whether personality traits predicted sense of purpose and wellbeing during telecommuting in the COVID-19 pandemic. A total of N = 142 participants were included (73 Iranian employees in Iran; 69 U.S. employees in the United States). Personality was assessed using the Myers–Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI), and purpose and wellbeing were measured with validated scales. Descriptive analyses showed that Iranian participants scored higher on the Sensing dimension, with no other mean differences or gender effects. Regression analyses indicated that Extraversion significantly predicted sense of purpose (β = 0.387, p < 0.01, R 2 = 0.305) and wellbeing (β = 0.515, p < 0.001, R 2 = 0.260) among Iranian workers, whereas Judging marginally predicted purpose (β = 0.263, p < 0.10, R 2 = 0.128) and wellbeing (β =0.227, p < 0.10, R 2 = 0.136) among U.S. workers. Overall, personality–outcome associations were modest in both groups, and mean levels of purpose and wellbeing did not differ across countries. This study contributes to cross-cultural telework research by highlighting culturally specific links between personality and psychological functioning during a global crisis.

Source: Frontiers in Psychology

DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2025.1651968

Authors: Elnaz Abaei, Zahra Ameli Renani, David Lester

Institutions: Iowa State University, Western Michigan University, Stockton University

Language: English

Topic: Personality Traits and Psychology

Subfield: Clinical Psychology

Field: Psychology

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,801