The general factor of personality: What lies beyond?—II

What remains of the covariance of personality traits after a general factor of personality (GFP) is removed? An earlier analysis based on a US adult community sample was extended to five additional samples, ranging from 739 to 2914 late-adolescent or adult individuals who had completed various personality questionnaires in twin and adoption studies. For the most part, the GFPs were similar. Most of the data sets revealed an additional Conscientiousness/conformity factor, but beyond that there was considerable variation across samples in the supplemental factors obtained.

► What lies beyond a general factor of personality (GFP)?
► This was explored in five data sets of 739–2914 individuals.
► Mostly, the general factors in these data sets were similar.
► An additional Conscientiousness/conformity factor was often found.
► Other factors varied considerably from sample to sample.