General factor of personality

Abstract

The general factor of personality (GFP) or Big One was introduced by Musek who considered it to be the central concept in the Pyramidal Model of Personality – the new hierarchical structural model of personality traits, representing a revision of the prevalent structural models. According to this model the GFP is the result of shared variance among factor-level personality traits. It sits at the apex of the personality hierarchy and is similar to factor g (general factor of intelligence), but for the non-cognitive traits. The GFP has positive and negative poles: in terms of the Five Factor Model the high level of the GFP is the result of the high level of Extraversion, Emotional Stability, Conscientiousness, Agreeableness and Openness to the Experience. The interpersonal variation in GFP is analyzed in two frameworks. Evolutionary Life History Theory understands the GFP as a complex trait connected with social adjustment and thus ensuring success of survival, maturation and reproduction. Personality theories connect the GFP with prosocial orientation providing positive self-concept, positive world view, social effectiveness and life satisfaction. Over the past 10 years the GFP was intensively studied and actively debated. The present review of the GFP studies shows that there are evidences for the existence of a GFP, though sometimes one-factor structure is not replicated and confirmative factor analysis and multitrait-multimethod studies receive less definite results. The sources of the GFP also are still the question for the discussion. The common variation of factor-level traits may be the consequence of the statistical artifacts, halo effects, social desirability and self-esteem.