Abstracts Category : Other

A Latent Variable Investigation of the Personality Correlates of Executive Functions Across Three Levels of the Big Five Hierarchy

by Alex Rautu

A latent variable approach was used to examine the relationship between executive functions (EFs) and personality traits spanning three levels of the Big Five hierarchy (DeYoung, 2015). Participants (N=217) completed online questionnaires of the Big Five, Effortful Control, and trait impulsivity, and, in a separate laboratory session, they also performed nine tasks that were used to assess latent variables of response inhibition, task switching, and working memory capacity. Specific predictions were made for two higher-order traits of the Big FiveStability and Plasticity. Contrary to the first prediction, Stability was not related to better response inhibition, while support for the second prediction was mixed: Plasticity was significantly related to better task switching when assessed with only one of two Big Five questionnaires. Other significant associations with EFs were found for the Big Five dimensions and their aspects, and Effortful Control. The results and their implications are discussed.