The five-factor model of personality as a framework for personality-health research.
The NEO Five Factor Personality Inventory (NEO-FFI; Costa & McCrae, 1989) and representative personality scales drawn from health psychology were administered to 2 samples of male military recruits (Ns = 296 and 502). Factor analysis of health-related personality scales revealed 3 conceptually meaningful domains. Examination of these domains and their constituent scales, with reference to the 5-factor model of personality, permits 3 general conclusions. First, most health-relevant dimensions and scales appear to be complex mixtures of broad personality domains. Second, variation in many health-related personality instruments is explained to a significant degree by the 5-factor model. Third, 2 of the 5 personality domains (i.e., conscientiousness and openness) appear to be substantially neglected in health psychology research.
Marshall
G N
GN
GEO-Centers, Inc., Naval Health Research Center, San Diego, California.
Wortman
C B
CB
Vickers
R R
RR
Kusulas
J W
JW
Hervig
L K
LK
D000328:Adult; D005163:Factor Analysis, Statistical; D015438:Health Behavior; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008960:Models, Psychological; D010555:Personality Inventory / Q000592:standards*