Do Dispositional Characteristics Influence Reading?

Previous research demonstrates specific relationships between personality traits and general academic performance. In addition, research studies have demonstrated relationships among personality and variables related to reading fluency (i.e., speed, accuracy, automaticity, and prosody). However, little investigation has examined specific links between personality and reading fluency. The researchers hypothesized that there is a direct relationship between personality and reading fluency when accounting for cognition. Findings indicate that the personality trait of Openness is a positive predictor of reading fluency ability; whereas, a significant negative relationship was found between Neuroticism and Reading Fluency. This information may help determine contributing factors in reading fluency problems and aid in intervention planning.