Comparison of the big-five factor structure across samples of Chinese and American adults

We compared the factor structure of Goldberg's (1992) 50-item Bipolar Rating Scale (50-BRS) in samples of Chinese (n = 198) and American (n = 303) students. Results confirmed the hypothesized five-factor pattern for the U.S. sample, and a simultaneous multisample confirmatory factor analysis showed that the same five-factor pattern fit the item covariances in the Chinese sample. High levels of internal consistency were found within each sample, and a high degree of congruency of corresponding item factor loadings was obtained across samples. Overall, results supported the potential utility of the Five-Factor Model and the 50-BRS for assessing personality dimensions in Chinese culture.