Five-factor model and internalizing and externalizing syndromes: A 5-year prospective study

•Prospective study about the FFM and the internalizing and externalizing syndromes.•Neuroticism predicted the internalizing factor.•Low agreeableness and low conscientiousness predicted the externalizing syndrome.•These relationships remained significant, even when controlling for previous symptoms.

The main aim of the present research was to study the prospective relationships of the five-factor model of personality and the internalizing and externalizing suprafactors of psychopathology. A sample of 323 young adults completed the NEO-FFI at Time 1 and different scales of symptoms 5 years later. Neuroticism prospectively predicted the internalizing factor, while extraversion, low agreeableness and low conscientiousness predicted the externalizing factor. We found additional paths between introversion and social phobia symptoms, and between low agreeableness and psychopathy symptoms. These relationships remained significant, even when controlling for previous symptoms, except for extraversion. Gender had no moderation effect on the interrelationship between personality and psychopathology factors. The present study extends previous research about personality and psychopathology, and suggests different ways in which they can be related.