Measurement Invariance of the Five Factor Model of Personality: Facet-Level Analyses Among Euro and Asian Americans. (July 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Lui, P. Priscilla; Samuel, Douglas B.; Rollock, David; Leong, Frederick T. L.; Chang, Edward C.
• Is Part Of: Assessment. Volume 27:Number 5(2020)
• Page Start: 887
• Page End: 902
• Publication Date: 2020-07
• Subjects: culture -- equivalence -- ethnicity -- factor structure -- five factor model -- NEO -- exploratory structural equation modeling; Psychological tests -- Periodicals; Psychodiagnostics -- Periodicals; Personality tests -- Periodicals; 150.287
• DOI: 10.1177/1073191119873978
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1073-1911

Abstract

Relative to broad Big Five domains, personality facets provide incremental value in predicting life outcomes. Valid between-group comparisons of means and correlates of facet scores are contingent upon measurement invariance of personality measures. Research on culture and Big Five personality has been largely limited to cross-national comparisons of domains, without assessing measurement invariance across ethnoracial groups within the same country. Using the NEO Inventories, we tested facet-level measurement invariance between Euro ( N = 418, 63.2% women, Mage = 18.43) and Asian Americans ( N = 429, 56.6% women, Mage = 18.00). Multigroup exploratory factor analysis within a confirmatory factor analysis framework showed partial strong invariance. Assertiveness and activity did not load onto extraversion as strongly for Asian Americans. Self-consciousness showed a stronger cross-loading onto extraversion among Asian Americans than Euro Americans. Achievement striving, competence, warmth, tender-mindedness, and excitement seeking showed noninvariant intercepts across groups. Collectivistic values emphasizing interpersonal harmony and modesty should be considered when examining narrow and broad traits among Asian Americans.