Five-factor model-based personality profiles in South Korea

This study aimed to (1) identify personality profiles based on the Five-Factor Model using a large South Korean sample (N = 813,611) and (2) examine their associations with well-being and related variables (e.g., self-esteem, loneliness, subjective social status). Using a Gaussian Mixture Model (GMM), we identified five personality types: Average, with mid-range scores on all traits; Introverted-Open, with high Openness and low Extraversion and Agreeableness; Introverted-Reactive, with low Conscientiousness and Extraversion and high Neuroticism; Expressive, with high Openness and Extraversion; and Conventional, with low Openness and, to a lesser extent, low Agreeableness and Neuroticism. Membership probabilities for the five personality profiles showed distinct patterns of association with the aforementioned variables, providing further insight into their characteristics. Expressive and Average type membership was associated with only beneficial outcomes, though the magnitude of these associations differed, while the Introverted-Reactive type was linked to lower well-being and various psychological vulnerabilities. The Introverted-Open and Conventional types displayed a nuanced profile, characterized by a combination of both adaptive and maladaptive attributes. These findings build on previous personality typology research by identifying empirically derived profiles in a Korean sample and offer insights for developing targeted, person-centered well-being interventions.