Housing Type and Introversion-Extraversion Predict College Roommate Conflicts

This article investigates conflict frequency and outcomes of college roommates as a function of housing type (dorms vs. apartments) and extraversion. By having roommates provide their initials and those of their roommate, we were able to match roommates for dyadic analyses. The results showed that respondents living in apartments reported more conflicts, and worse conflict outcomes, compared to those who reside in dorms. However, those living in dorms spent more time away from their roommate than those in apartments. Moreover, extraversion was positively associated with conflict for students living in apartments, and dyadic analyses revealed that respondents reported more conflict when they had introverted partners.