The relationship between dimensional personality models and quality of life in psychiatric outpatients

This study examines the relationship between personality and quality of life (QOL) in psychiatric outpatients (N=495). Personality was conceptualized using two-dimensional models, respectively, the five-factor model (FFM) and Cloninger's seven-factor model. The WHOQOL-100 was used for assessing QOL. Neuroticism and Harm Avoidance had negative correlations with QOL, whereas Extraversion, Conscientiousness and Self-Directedness correlated positively with QOL. A considerable part of the QOL variance was explained by personality; Cloninger's character factors were superior to the FFM domains. Although not fully comparable, in general our findings are in accordance with earlier studies. Therefore, paying attention to personality and temperament is recommended in future diagnostic procedures, treatment policies, and program evaluations.