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Assessing the U.S. presidents using the Revised NEO Personality Inventory
S J Rubenzer1, T R Faschingbauer, D S Ones
1Mental Health & Mental Retardation Authority of Harris County, Houston, Texas, USA. rubenz@evl.net
Assessment
|January 11, 2001
Summary
Objective psychological assessments reveal the average personality profile of U.S. presidents. This study explores personality traits linked to presidential success and historical greatness using the NEO PI-R.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Political Science
- History
Background:
- This study utilizes objective psychological instruments, specifically the Revised NEO Personality Inventory (NEO PI-R), to analyze the personalities of all 41 U.S. presidents.
- The research aims to establish an average personality profile for U.S. chief executives.
Discussion:
- The findings are discussed in the context of psychohistorical research and psychological assessment.
- A typology of presidents based on personality data is presented.
- The study examines the relationship between the Big Five personality dimensions and facets with presidential success, defined as historical greatness.
Key Insights:
- The average personality profile of U.S. presidents on the NEO PI-R is detailed.
- Specific personality traits associated with historical greatness in U.S. presidents are identified.
- Case studies of Washington and Lincoln's personalities are summarized.
Outlook:
- This research provides a framework for utilizing psychological assessments in historical and political analysis.
- Future psychohistorical research can build upon these findings to understand leadership qualities.
- The study highlights the utility of the NEO PI-R in assessing historical figures.