The investigation of executive functions, personality traits and self esteem levels of high and low working memory capacity individuals

The study aimed to examine the executive functions, personality characteristics, and self-esteem levels of individuals according to their working memory capacity. The research was carried out with students that study at Bolu Abant İzzet Baysal University and and a total of 62 students, 42 female and 20 male, participated in the study. Working memory capacities of the participants were identified using LNS (Wechsler Memory Scale–III- Letter-Number Sequencing Subtest). Executive functions were measured with WCST (Wisconsin Card Sorting Test), RSPM (Raven's Standard Progressive Matrices Test), Stroop Test TBAG Form, US Subtest (Wechsler Memory Scale-III Spatial Sequencing Subtest); personality was measured with TCI (The Temperament and Character Inventory) and self-esteem was measured with RSES (Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale). Independent Sample t- Test, MANOVA and Mann-Whitney U Test were performed to the data obtained in accordance with the aims of the research. Additionally, Pearson Correlation Analysis was used for the relationships between LNS and personality. The results obtained revealed that executive functions vary according to working memory capacity. Participants with low working memory capacity were found to have lower performance in set-shifting, fluid intelligence, attention, and spatial span than participants with high working memory capacity. There was a significant correlation between LNS and Novelty Seeking which is the subtest of TCI. The finding obatined were discussed within the literature and suggestions for future resarch were presented.