How general across inventories is a general factor of personality?

Two recent analyses addressing the generality of a general factor of personality (GFP) across different personality inventories came to markedly different conclusions. By applying the methods used by the one that found a GFP to the data used by the one that did not, it was shown that a substantial GFP could be obtained in the latter case. It was also shown that similar GFPs could be derived from sets of more broadly or more narrowly defined questionnaire scales, or from self- and others’ reports on a given inventory. Finally, it was shown that a GFP defined from eight personality inventories showed a modest degree of correlation with criterion variables such as ratings by others and act-frequency clusters.

► Two studies disagreed on the existence of a general factor of personality (GFP).
► Using the methods of the one with the data of the other, a GFP was obtained.
► It held across broad and narrow scales and self- and others’ reports.
► Theories of the origin of a GFP were discussed.