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The 5 dimensions (personality traits) that are scored on the NEO-PI come from research using personality questionnaires and sophisticated statistical techniques (factor analysis). Some people would argue that these are the 5 most important personality dimensions. These dimensions are also called factors. Most of these factors do not come directly from personality theories; they come from research.

Each of these global factors consist of more specific personality traits. What follows are the names of the factors and the more specific traits of people scoring high vs. low on the factor:

Hi: Anxiety, Angry Hostility, Depression, Self-consciousness, Impulsiveness, Vulnerability.

Hi: Warmth, Gregariousness, Assertiveness, Activity, Excitement Seeking, Positive Emotions (upbeat, energetic).

Hi: Active imagination, Artistic, Attention to inner feelings, Preference for variety, Intellectual curiosity.

Lo: Narrower scope of interests, Conventional in thought, Conservative, Cautious in thought.

Hi: Trust, Straightforwardness, Altruism, Compliance, Modesty, Tender-mindedness, Cooperative.

Hi: Competence, Order, Dutifulness, Achievement striving, Self-discipline, Deliberation.

Lo: Easy-going, Sometimes careless, Spontaneous (not planned), Absent-minded, Distractible.

Ralph L. Piedmont, ISBN 0306459434 (New York, Plenum Press, 1998)
ch 3 Interpreting the NEO-PI-R, pp. 84-92.

Recognizing that there are inherent limitations to test data, regardless of its source, we turn now to a presentation of the NEO PI-R facet scales and their definitions. Scales will be presented by domain. The facet scales can be considered partitions of the larger spectrum of qualities represented in each domain. In developing the facets every effort was made to create scales that were as nonoverlapping in content as possible while still remaining on the same domain. By minimizing redundancy among the facets, the test developers maximized the interpretability of each scale.

Neuroticism

Neuroticism assesses affective adjustment versus emotional instability. Individuals who score high on this domain are prone to experiencing psychological distress, unrealistic ideas, excessive cravings or urges, and maladaptive coping responses. Although high scores on this domain do not indicate the presence of any clinical disorder, individuals with a clinical syndrome do tend to have a high score here (see Costa & Widiger, 1994). In fact, high scores on Neuroticism place one at risk for receiving a psychiatric diagnosis (Zonderman, Herbst, Schmidt, Costa, & McCrae, [p.85] 1993). The six facets for this domain, and their definitions are from Costa and McCrae (1992c). Adjective descriptors for each facet are taken from a variety of sources (McCrae & Costa, 1992; Piedmont & Weinstein, 1993).

NI: Anxiety. Anxious individuals are apprehensive, fearful, prone to worry, nervous, tense, and jittery. The scale does not measure specific fears or phobias, but high scorers are more likely to have such fears, as well as free-floating anxiety. Low scorers are calm and relaxed. They do not dwell on things that might go wrong. Adjectives that describe high scorers on this facet include tense, fearful, worried, apprehensive. Adjectives that describe low scorers on this facet include calm, relaxed, stable, fearless.

N2: Angry Hostility. Angry hostility represents the tendency to experience anger and related states such as frustration and bitterness. This scale measures the individual's readiness to experience anger; whether the anger is expressed depends on the individual's level of Agreeableness. Note, however, that disagreeable people often score high on this scale. Low scorers are easygoing and slow to anger. High scorers on this facet are described as being hot-tempered, angry, and frustrated. Low scorers are described as being amiable, even-tempered, and gentle.

N3: Depression. This scale measures normal individual differences in the tendency to experience depressive affect. High scorers are prone to feelings of guilt, sadness, hopelessness, and loneliness. They are easily discouraged and often dejected. Such individuals are described as being hopeless, guilty, downhearted, and blue. Low scorers rarely experience such emotions, but they are not necessarily cheerful and lighthearted - characteristics associated instead with Extraversion. Low scorers[1] on this facet are described as being seldom sad, hopeful, confident, and as feeling worthwhile.

N4: Self-Consciousness. The emotions of shame and embarrassment form the core of this facet of Neuroticism. Self-conscious individuals are uncomfortable around others, sensitive to ridicule, and prone to feelings of inferiority. Self-consciousness is akin to shyness and social anxiety. Such individuals are described as being ashamed, feel inferior, and are easily embarrassed. Low scorers do not necessarily have grace or good social skills; they are simply less disturbed by awkward social situations. These individuals are described as poised, secure, and feel adequate.

N5: Impulsiveness. This facet refers to the inability to control cravings and urges. Desires (e.g., for food, cigarettes, possessions) are perceived as being so strong that the individual cannot resist them, although he or she may later regret the behavior. Low scorers find it easier to resist such temptations, having a high tolerance for frustration. The term impulsive should not be confused with spontaneity, risk taking, or rapid decision time. High scorers on this facet are described as being unable to resist cravings, hasty, [p. 86] sarcastic, and self-centered. Low scorers are described as being self-controlled and able to resist temptation.

N6: Vulnerability. The final facet of N is vulnerability to stress. Individuals who score high on this scale feel unable to cope with stress, becoming dependent, hopeless, or panicked when facing emergency situations. High scorers are characterized as being easily rattled, panicked, and unable to deal with stress. Low scorers perceive themselves as capable of handling themselves in difficult situations. These individuals are described as being resilient, cool-headed, and hardy.

Costa and McCrae (1985) have defined this domain as representing the quantity and intensity of interpersonal interaction, the need for stimulation and the capacity for joy. This domain contrasts sociable, active, person-oriented individuals with those who are reserved, sober, retiring, and quiet. There are two qualities assessed on this domain: interpersonal involvement and energy. The former evaluates the degree to which an individual enjoys the company of others and the latter reflects the personal tempo and activity level. This dimension has been shown to capture levels of positive affect.

E1: Warmth. Warmth is the facet of Extraversion most relevant to issues of interpersonal intimacy. Warm people are affectionate and friendly. They genuinely like people and easily form close attachments to others. Such individuals are characterized as being outgoing, talkative, and affectionate. Low scorers are neither hostile nor necessarily lacking in compassion, but they are more formal, reserved, and distant in manner than high scorers. Warmth is the facet of E that is closest to Agreeableness in interpersonal space, but it is distinguished by a cordiality and heartiness that is not part of A.

E2: Gregariousness. A second aspect of E is gregariousness-the preference for other people's company. Gregarious people enjoy the company of others; the more the merrier. They are characterized as being convivial, having many friends, and seeking social contact. Low scorers on this scale tend to be loners who do not seek-or who even actively avoid-social stimulation. These individuals are described as avoiding crowds and preferring to be alone.

E3: Assertiveness. High scorers on this scale are dominant, forceful, and socially ascendant. They speak without hesitation and often become group leaders. Adjective descriptions of high scorers include dominant, forceful, confident, and decisive. Low scorers prefer to keep in the background and let others do the talking. Adjective descriptors include unassuming, retiring, and reticent. [p.87]

E4: Activity. A high Activity score is seen in rapid tempo and vigorous movement, in a sense of energy, and in a need to keep busy. Active people lead fast-paced lives. They are described as being energetic, fastpaced, and vigorous. Low scorers are more leisurely and relaxed in tempo, although they are not necessarily sluggish or lazy. They are described by others as being unhurried, slow, and deliberate.

E5: Excitement-Seeking. High scorers on this scale crave excitement and stimulation. They like bright colors and noisy environments. Excitement-seeking is akin to some aspects of sensation seeking. These individuals are described as flashy, seekers of strong stimulation, and risk takers. Low scorers feel little need for thrills and prefer a life that high scorers might find boring. These individuals are described as cautious, staid, and uninterested in thrills.

E6: Positive Emotions. This facet reflects the tendency to experience positive emotions such as joy, happiness, love, and excitement. High scorers on this scale laugh easily and often. They are seen as cheerful, highspirited, joyful, and optimistic. Low scorers are not necessarily unhappy; they are merely less exuberant and high-spirited. They are described as unenthusiastic, placid, and serious. Research has shown that happiness and life satisfaction are related to both N and E, and that Positive Emotions is the facet of E most relevant to the prediction of happiness.

Openness to Experience is defined as the proactive seeking and appreciation of experience for its own sake, and as toleration for and exploration of the unfamiliar. This domain contrasts curious, original, untraditional, and creative individuals with those who are conventional, unartistic, and unanalytical. Of all the domains, this one is the most controversial; it is the least developed and explored. In terms of its representativeness in the language, it has the fewest number of descriptors. Nonetheless, Openness continues to show its personological value (McCrae & Costa, 1985b; McCrae, 1990, 1993-1994, 1994b). The facets for this domain are as follows:

01: Fantasy. Individuals who are open to fantasy have a vivid imagination and an active fantasy life. They daydream not simply as an escape but as a way of creating for themselves an interesting inner world. They elaborate and develop their fantasies and believe that imagination contributes to a rich and creative life. These individuals are described as imaginative and as enjoying daydreaming. Low scorers are more prosaic and prefer to keep their minds on the task at hand. They are described as practical and as preferring realistic thinking.

[p. 88] 02: Aesthetics. High scorers on this scale have a deep appreciation for art and beauty. They are moved by poetry, absorbed in music, and intrigued by art. They need not have artistic talent, nor even necessarily what most people would consider good taste, but for many of them, interest in the arts will lead them to develop a wider knowledge and appreciation than the average individual. They are seen as valuing aesthetic experiences and as moved by art and beauty. Low scorers are relatively insensitive to and uninterested in art and beauty. They are described by others as being insensitive to art and unappreciative of beauty.

03: Feelings. Openness to feelings implies receptivity to one's own inner feelings and emotions and the evaluation of emotion as an important part of life. High scorers experience deeper and more differentiated emotional states and feel both happiness and unhappiness more intensely than others. Descriptions of high scorers include emotionally responsive, sensitive, empathic, and values own feelings. Low scorers have somewhat blunted affects and do not believe that feeling states are of much importance. Descriptions of low scorers include narrow range of emotions and insensitive to surroundings.

04: Actions. Openness is seen behaviorally in the willingness to try different activities, go new places, or eat unusual foods. High scorers on this scale prefer novelty and variety to familiarity and routine. Over time, they may engage in a series of different hobbies. They are described by others as seeking novelty and variety and trying new activities. Low scorers find change difficult and prefer to stick with the tried and true. These individuals are perceived by others as being set in their ways and preferring the familiar.

05: Ideas. Intellectual curiosity is an aspect of Openness that has long been recognized. This trait is seen not only in an active pursuit of intellectual interests for their own sake, but also in open-mindedness and a willingness to consider new, perhaps unconventional ideas. High scorers enjoy both philosophical arguments and brain-teasers. Openness to ideas does not necessarily imply high intelligence, although it can contribute to the development of intellectual potential. These individuals are described as being intellectually curious, analytical, and theoretically oriented. Low scorers on the scale have limited curiosity and, if highly intelligent, narrowly focus their resources on limited topics. These individuals are described as being pragmatic, factually oriented, and unappreciative of intellectual challenges.

06: Values. Openness to Values means the readiness to reexamine social, political, and religious values. High scorers on this facet are seen as tolerant, broad-minded, nonconforming, and open-minded. Closed individuals tend to accept authority and honor tradition and as a consequence [p.89] are generally conservative, regardless of political party affiliation. Low scorers on this facet are seen as dogmatic, conservative, and conforming. Openness to Values may be considered the opposite of dogmatism.

Extraversion evaluates the degree to which a person enjoys being in the presence of others. Agreeableness examines the attitudes an individual holds toward other people. These attitudes can be very pro-person, compassionate, trusting, forgiving, and soft-hearted on one end to very antagonistic, cynical, manipulative, vengeful, and ruthless on the other. The broad interpersonal orientation captured here ranges from very Mother Teresa-ish on the one hand to Machiavellian on the other. The facets for this domain include the following:

AI: Trust. High scorers have a disposition to believe that others arehonest and well intentioned. High scorers are characterized as being forgiving, trusting, and peaceable. Low scorers on this scale tend to be cynical and skeptical and to assume that others may be dishonest or dangerous. Low scorers are characterized as being wary, pessimistic, suspicious, and hard-hearted.

A2: Straightforwardness. High scorers on this scale are frank, sincere, and ingenuous. These individuals are characterized as being direct, frank, candid, and ingenuous. Low scorers on this scale are more willing to manipulate others through flattery, craftiness, or deception. They view these tactics as necessary social skills and may regard more straightforward people as naive. These individuals are described as being shrewd, clever, and charming.

A low scorer on this scale is more likely to stretch the truth or to be guarded in expressing his or her true feelings, but this should not be interpreted to mean that he or she is a dishonest or manipulative person. In particular, this scale should not be regarded as a lie scale, either for assessing the validity of the test itself, or for making predictions about honesty in employment or other settings.

A3: Altruism. High scorers on this facet have an active concern for others' welfare as shown in generosity, consideration of others, and a willingness to assist others in need of help. These individuals are seen by others as being warm, soft-hearted, gentle, generous, and kind. Low scorers on this scale are somewhat more self-centered and are reluctant to get involved in the problems of others. These individuals are seen by others as being selfish, cynical, cold, and snobbish.

A4: Compliance. This facet of Aconcerns characteristic reactions to interpersonal conflict. The high scorer tends to defer to others, to inhibit aggression, [p. 90] and to forgive and forget. Compliant people are meek and mild. High scorers are characterized as being deferential, obliging, and kind. The low scorer is aggressive, prefers to compete rather than cooperate, and has no reluctance to express anger when necessary. Low scorers are characterized as being stubborn, demanding, headstrong, and hard-hearted.

A5: Modesty. High scorers on this scale are humble and self-effacing although they are not necessarily lacking in self-confidence or self-esteem. These individuals are perceived by others as being humble and unassuming. Low scorers believe they are superior people and may be considered conceited or arrogant by others. A pathological lack of modesty is part of the clinical conception of narcissism. These individuals are seen by others as being aggressive, tending to show off, and tough.

A6: Tender-Mindedness. This facet scale measures attitudes of sympathy and concern for others. High scorers are moved by others' needs and emphasize the human side of social policies. Adjective descriptors of high scorers include friendly, warm, kind, gentle, and soft-hearted. Low scorers are more hardheaded and less moved by appeals to pity. They would consider themselves realists who make rational decisions based on cold logic. Adjective descriptors of low scorers include intolerant, cold, opinionated, and snobbish.

This domain assesses the individual's degree of organization, persistence, and motivation in goal-directed behavior. This dimension contrasts dependable, fastidious people with those who are lackadaisical and sloppy. Also represented here is the amount of personal control and the ability to delay gratification of needs. The facets include the following: C1: Competence. This facet refers to the sense that one is capable, sensible, prudent, and effective. High scorers on this scale feel well prepared to deal with life. These individuals are perceived by others as being efficient, thorough, confident, and intelligent. Low scorers have a lower opinion of their abilities and admit that they are often unprepared and inept. These individuals are perceived by others as being confused, forgetful, and frivolous. Of all the C facet scales, competence is most highly associated with self-esteem and internal locus of control.

C2: Order. High scorers on this scale are neat, tidy, and well organized. They keep things in their proper places. Adjective descriptors for high scorers include precise, efficient, and methodical. Low scorers are unable to get organized and describe themselves as unmethodical. Adjective descriptors for low scorers include disorderly, impulsive, and careless. Carried to an extreme, high Order might contribute to a Compulsive Personality Disorder. [p.91]

C3: Dutifulness. In one sense, conscientiousness means "governed by conscience," and that aspect of C is assessed as Dutifulness. High scorers on this scale adhere strictly to their ethical principles and scrupulously fulfill their moral obligations. These individuals are described as being dependable, mannerly, organized, and thorough. Low scorers are more casual about such matters and may be somewhat undependable or unreliable. These individuals are described as being lazy, absent-minded, and distractible.

C4: Achievement Striving. Individuals who score high on this facet have high aspiration levels and work hard to achieve their goals. They are diligent and purposeful and have a sense of direction in life. These individuals are seen as being ambitious, industrious, enterprising, and persistent. Very high scorers, however, may invest too much in their careers and become workaholics. Low scorers are lackadaisical and perhaps even lazy. They are not driven to succeed. They lack ambition and may seem aimless, but they are often perfectly content with their low levels of achievement. These individuals are seen as being leisurely, dreamy, and disorganized.

C5: Self-Discipline. This term means the ability to begin tasks and carry them through to completion despite boredom and other distractions. High scorers have the ability to motivate themselves to get the job done. Adjective descriptors include organized, thorough, energetic, capable, and efficient. Low scorers procrastinate in beginning chores and are easily discouraged and eager to quit. Adjective descriptors include unambitious, forgetful, and absent-minded.

Low self-discipline is easily confused with impulsiveness. Both are evidence of poor self-control, but empirically they are distinct. People high in impulsiveness cannot resist doing what they do not want themselves to do; people low in self-discipline cannot force themselves to do what they want themselves to do. The former requires an emotional stability; the latter, a degree of motivation that they do not possess.

C6: Deliberation. The final facet of C assesses the tendency to think carefully before acting. High scorers on this facet are cautious and deliberate. High scorers are described as being cautious, logical, and mature. Low scorers are hasty and often speak or act without considering the consequences. At best, low scorers are spontaneous and able to make snap decisions when necessary. These individuals are described as being immature, hasty, impulsive, and careless.

The 35 scales of the NEO PI-R (five domain scores and the 30 facets) provide a comprehensive assessment of the individual. There is certainly a tremendous amount of information available for interpretation. As was seen in the previous chapter, this information has implications for a wide range of psychologically significant outcomes. The next section provides [p.92] some examples in order to help the reader begin to work interpretively with this information.

Narrower scope of interests, Conventional in thought, Conservative,
Cautious in thought

Intellectual curiosity, Active imagination, Artistic, Attention to inner feelings, Preference for variety,

Reserved,
Independent,
Even-paced,
Less exuberant,
Serious

Warmth, Gregariousness, Assertiveness, Activity, Excitement Seeking, Positive Emotions (upbeat, energetic)

Easy-going, Sometimes careless, Spontaneous (not planned), Absent-minded, Distractible

Competence, Order, Dutifulness, Achievement striving, Self-discipline, Deliberation

Calm, Even-tempered, Relaxed, Composed, Confident

Anxiety, Angry Hostility, Depression,
Self-consciousness, Impulsiveness,
Vulnerability (to other s’ emotions)

[1] The text has “high scorers”, but this is clearly a misprint.

[2] Much of the data presented here may be found at : http://www.uwm.edu/~hynan/193/NEO.html . The NEO Personality Inventory (NEO-PI) was developed in 1988 by Paul Costa and Robert McCrae The 5 dimensions (personality traits) that are scored on the NEO-PI come from research using personality questionnaires and sophisticated statistical techniques (factor analysis). Some people would argue that these are the 5 most important personality dimensions. These dimensions are also called factors. Most of these factors do not come directly from personality theories; they come from research. Neuroticism, extraversion, and openness to experience are based on more research and they were developed earlier than the other two. These three scales each have a set of six subscales beneath them. The last two domains (agreeableness, and conscientiousness) were added to the inventory in response to the work of other researchers (Leong & Dollonger, 1991). In the revised edition of the NEO-PI, facets have been added to the last two domains (Costa &McCrae, 1992). All the scales and subscales are a result of theoretical and rational approach as well as factor analytic methods. Websites at which these inventories may be taken include: http://www.sunderland.ac.uk/~hs0tbc/invitation2.html ; http://cac.psu.edu/~j5j/test/ipipneo1.htm .

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Neuroticism

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