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Development of the Multi-Trait Personality Inventory (MTPI): comparison among four Chinese populations.
P C Cheung1, A J Conger, K T Hau
1Chinese University of Hong Kong.
Journal of Personality Assessment
|December 1, 1992
Summary
This study developed the Multi-Trial Personality Inventory (MTPI) to assess Chinese personality across diverse populations. Findings reveal shared cultural traits, particularly those influenced by Confucianism, alongside environment-specific characteristics.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Cross-cultural Psychology
- Personality Assessment
Background:
- Developing culture-specific personality instruments is crucial for accurate assessment.
- Previous research indicated potential discontinuities in personality traits between mainland and overseas Chinese populations.
- Understanding cultural influences on personality is vital in a globalized world.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate a culture-specific instrument, the Multi-Trial Personality Inventory (MTPI), for assessing Chinese personality.
- To investigate common and distinct personality traits among Chinese populations in mainland China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and the United States.
- To examine cross-cultural personality differences through political-social and cultural-ecological perspectives.
Main Methods:
- Development of the Multi-Trial Personality Inventory (MTPI) using a novel methodology based on factor-consistent clusters.
- Administration of the MTPI to a large sample (N=2,617) comprising men and women from four major Chinese populations.
- Analysis of personality traits, considering cultural roots in Confucianism and environmental influences.
Main Results:
- Identified common personality traits deeply rooted in Chinese culture, such as self-discipline and moderation, influenced by Confucianism.
- Observed additional environment-specific traits in Chinese populations across different geographical locations.
- Supported the hypothesis of basic continuities in personality traits between mainland and overseas Chinese, despite superficial discontinuities.
Conclusions:
- The Multi-Trial Personality Inventory (MTPI) is a valid and culture-specific instrument for assessing Chinese personality.
- Chinese personality exhibits both fundamental cultural continuities and environmentally influenced variations.
- Cross-cultural personality differences can be effectively explained by political-social factors and a cultural-ecological model.