Higher-Order Factors of Personality in Self-Report Data: Self-Esteem Really Matters

Abstract

The aim of this study was to test three alternative models of personality structure, the first-order model, the general factor model and the Big Two model, using 44-item Big Five Inventory in a large sample (N = 878). The first-order, the general factor, and the Big Two models of personality were tested using a type of confirmatory factor analysis. In all analyses, both common method variance and self-esteem were defined as method variables. The results, contrary to the earlier findings, showed that self-esteem was important in understanding higher-order organization of personality, and the data indicated greater support for the Big Two model than the general factor of personality. The results were discussed in the light of the literature, and future directions were considered. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.