Associations Between a General Factor and Group Factor from the Spanish-Language Eysenck Personality...

Prior studies used exploratory bifactor analyses to examine the structure of the Neuroticism scale from the Short-scale Eysenck Personality Questionnaire-Revised (EPQ-RS). These studies revealed a general factor and two group factors-Anxious-Tense and Worried-Vulnerable. These factors were related to poorer mental health, but their associations with physical health differed, as did their genetic and neurobiological underpinnings. A later study found that their associations with the Big Five Inventory-2 Short Form's factors and facets differed. We reanalyzed data on 1,006 Spanish students who completed Spanish-language versions of the EPQ-RS and the Revised NEO Personality Inventory (NEO PI-R). Using confirmatory factor analysis, we showed that a model comprising the general factor and a group factor-Anxious-Tense-fit well. In later correlations, a joint factor analysis, and simultaneous multiple regressions, we showed that the EPQ-RS's general factor and the group factor had different patterns of associations with the NEO PI-R domains and facets. These associations were consistent with the definition of the EPQ-RS Neuroticism scale's general factor and that of the group factor. Further investigation into the EPQ-RS Neuroticism scale's structure can improve our understanding of neuroticism's relationship with health and other outcomes.