An evaluation of evaluative personality terms: a comparison of the big seven and five-factor model in predicting psychopathology

Psychol Assess. 2005 Sep;17(3):359-68. doi: 10.1037/1040-3590.17.3.359.

Abstract

Two personality models are compared regarding their relationship with personality disorder (PD) symptom counts and with lifetime Axis I diagnoses. These models share 5 similar domains, and the Big 7 model also includes 2 domains assessing self-evaluation: positive and negative valence. The Big 7 model accounted for more variance in PDs than the 5-factor model, primarily because of the association of negative valence with most PDs. Although low-positive valence was associated with most Axis I diagnoses, the 5-factor model generally accounted for more variance in Axis I diagnoses than the Big 7 model. Some predicted associations between self-evaluation and psychopathology were not found, and unanticipated associations emerged. These findings are discussed regarding the utility of evaluative terms in clinical assessment.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Evaluation Study
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Factor Analysis, Statistical
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Models, Psychological*
  • Personality Assessment / statistics & numerical data*
  • Personality Disorders / diagnosis*
  • Personality Disorders / psychology
  • Personality Inventory / statistics & numerical data*
  • Predictive Value of Tests
  • Psychopathology / methods*
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Self Disclosure
  • Students / psychology