Higher-order factors of the big five and basic values: empirical and theoretical relations

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Individual Differences Research

Background:

• The Big Five Model and Schwartz's theory are key frameworks for understanding personality and values.
• Both models offer hierarchical structures of individual differences.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between the superordinate factors of the Big Five personality (alpha and beta) and Schwartz's higher-level value types.
• To examine how broad personality dimensions relate to core personal values.

Main Methods:

• Factor analysis was employed to analyze the data.
• Multidimensional scaling was used to visualize the relationships between traits and values.

Main Results:

• Alpha and beta personality factors demonstrated distinct associations with the Conservation versus Openness to change value dimension.
• Alpha positively correlated with values of stability and tradition, and negatively with openness to change.
• Beta exhibited an inverse relationship compared to alpha regarding these value dimensions.

Conclusions:

• The study highlights differential relationships between higher-order personality factors and fundamental value orientations.
• Findings contribute to a more nuanced understanding of personality-value interplay in individual differences.