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The structure of interpersonal traits: Wiggins's circumplex and the five-factor model
1Gerontology Research Center, National Institute on Aging, Baltimore, Maryland 21224.
Journal of Personality and Social Psychology
|April 1, 1989
Summary
This study found that personality traits like Extraversion and Agreeableness define the interpersonal circumplex model. Both circumplex and dimensional personality models offer valuable insights for social psychology research.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Social Psychology
Background:
- Personality structure is often described using dimensional or circumplex models.
- Understanding the relationship between these models is crucial for a comprehensive view of personality.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the relationship between Wiggins's Interpersonal Adjective Scales and the NEO Personality Inventory.
- To determine if the interpersonal circumplex is defined by specific personality dimensions.
Main Methods:
- Joint factor analysis of self-reports on the Interpersonal Adjective Scales with self, peer, and spouse ratings on the NEO Personality Inventory.
- Utilized a sample of 315 adult men and women.
Main Results:
- The interpersonal circumplex is structured by the dimensions of Extraversion and Agreeableness.
- The circular arrangement of variables is not due to response biases or cognitive schemas.
- Circumplex and dimensional personality models are complementary.
Conclusions:
- Both circumplex and dimensional models are valuable for describing personality structure.
- These models can enhance social psychologists' understanding of interpersonal behavior.