A review of literature on the general factor of personality

This literature review presents a summary and evaluation of recent studies that have examined the existence of a single, higher-order general factor of personality (GFP). Factor models of personality, behavioral–genetic analyses of the GFP, and the relationship between the GFP and the g factor of intelligence are discussed. The criticism that the GFP represents a statistical artifact is addressed, with a focus on the possible roles of self-esteem and social desirability response bias. Multiple routes for future GFP research are suggested.