Social distancing and hand hygiene were highly recommended by WHO as an effective preventive strategy for the COVID-19 pandemic. However, people differ in their adherence to safety recommendations and may respond in maladaptive ways but the origins of these differences are poorly understood. The objective of this study was to investigate the association between, personality traits, health beliefs, and adaptive or maladaptive behaviors. Methods The sample consisted of 1002 Egyptian adults who answered an online survey, which included: the health belief model, Big Five Personality Inventory, and Fear of COVID-19 Scale. Results The results showed that females and workers in the medical field were more adherent to adaptive behaviors, while highly educated, and young adults were more liable to maladaptive behaviors. Conscientiousness as a personality trait was directly proportionate with practicing of adaptive behaviors among Egyptians, while higher openness trait was a risk factor for practicing maladaptive behaviors. High perceived hand hygiene and social distance barriers were significant risk factors that decrease the practicing of adaptive behaviors. There was a significant positive relationship between fear of COVID-19 and practicing adaptive behaviors. Conclusions Personality traits play an important role in adaptive or maladaptive behavior towards the COVID-19 pandemic. These findings might help in planning prevention programs in the future