Influence of physical fitness on second- and third-order personality factors using orthogonal and oblique rotations

The study investigated the relationship between physical fitness and personality variables at second- and third-order factor-analytic structures. Further, the stability of the factor structures at pre- and post-physical fitness program tests was examined by orthogonal and oblique rotations. Physical fitness and personality data were collected on 56 middle-aged males. The fitness and personality variables were factor analyzed and rotated orthogonally and obliquely by the principal axis form of solution. As a result, five second-order factors were extracted, both initially and finally. Factor scores were estimated for each S on each of the second-order factors, and data were factor analyzed to extract the third-order factors. The second-order factors closely resembled Cattell's factors, but subtle differences were found to exist between initial and final factor structures that may have been due to the influence of the fitness program. Two third-order factors were extracted initially and three finally when the factor scores were rotated orthogonally and obliquely, and physical fitness was associated with two of these hierarchical factors both initially and finally. The hierarchical factor structures appeared to be comparable to the scales of Eysenck. On the basis of the present findings it was concluded that the problem of rotation was not of importance and scientifically uninteresting and that the hierarchical factor solutions were highly stable. Further, it appears that the hierarchical levels of personality are manifested in two syndromes confounded by "traits" and "states" of personality. These two syndromes are Introversion vs. Extraversion and Neuroticism vs. Stability. The extraction of additional factors, such as Low Superego Strength vs. High Superego Strength, as in this study, is completely dependent upon the treatment or conditions superimposed.