Dr Rabia Aftab
Dr. Rabia Aftab is a Psychology Lecturer at Bath Spa University, RAK, UAE. She earned her Ph.D. in Psychology from Aligarh Muslim University, specializing in Positive Psychology. With a strong passion for research and teaching, Dr. Rabia has published 12 research articles in peer-reviewed and Scopus-indexed journals, contributing significantly to the field of psychology.
Her dedication to academic excellence has been recognized through the Research Excellence Award, honoring her impactful research and scholarly contributions. Dr. Rabia’s work focuses on the intersection of personality, emotional intelligence, resilience, and well-being, with a particular emphasis on practical applications in diverse cultural and professional contexts.
At Bath Spa University, she inspires students through her engaging lectures and hands-on research mentorship, fostering a culture of learning and innovation. Dr. Rabia’s commitment to advancing the field of psychology is reflected in her continuous efforts to explore novel dimensions of human behavior and mental health.
Personality Traits and Psychological Needs: Understanding Attitudes Toward AI in a Rapidly Changing World
In a fast-evolving world, understanding the factors influencing attitudes toward Artificial Intelligence (AI) is critical for fostering its acceptance and trust. This study examines the interplay between personality traits, basic psychological needs, and attitudes toward AI, using the frameworks of Self-Determination Theory (SDT) and the Big Five Personality Traits. The research investigates how personality influences the fulfillment of autonomy, competence, and relatedness, and how these factors collectively shape positive and negative perceptions of AI.
A diverse sample of 500 professionals from various organizations in the UAE participated in this study. Participants completed validated measures of psychological needs (Basic Psychological Needs Satisfaction and Frustration Scale), personality traits (Big Five Inventory), and AI attitudes (customized AI Positivity and Negativity Scale). Regression analyses revealed that personality traits significantly moderate the relationship between psychological needs and AI attitudes. Traits like openness, extraversion, and conscientiousness amplify the positive effects of autonomy, competence, and relatedness on AI positivity. Conversely, neuroticism diminishes these positive effects by increasing anxiety, fear, and mistrust toward AI.
This study offers valuable insights into how personality and psychological needs shape attitudes toward AI, particularly in a culturally and professionally diverse setting like the UAE. The findings highlight the importance of designing AI systems that align with individual psychological profiles, fostering user engagement, and addressing resistance. By tailoring AI solutions to diverse personality and motivational needs, developers and organizations can enhance AI adoption and trust in an era of rapid technological transformation.