Associations Between a General Factor and Group Factor from the Spanish-Language Eysenck Personality Questionnaire–Revised Short Form’s Neuroticism Scale and the Revised NEO Personality Inventory Domains and Facets

Abstract

Prior studies used exploratory bifactor analyses to examine the structure of the Neuroticism scale from the Short-scale Eysenck Personality Questionnaire–Revised (EPQ–RS). These studies revealed a general factor and two group factors—Anxious-Tense and Worried-Vulnerable. These factors were related to poorer mental health, but their associations with physical health differed, as did their genetic and neurobiological underpinnings. A later study found that their associations with the Big Five Inventory-2 Short Form’s factors and facets differed. We reanalyzed data on 1,006 Spanish students who completed Spanish-language versions of the EPQ–RS and the Revised NEO Personality Inventory (NEO PI–R). Using confirmatory factor analysis, we showed that a model comprising the general factor and a group factor—Anxious-Tense—fit well. In later correlations, a joint factor analysis, and simultaneous multiple regressions, we showed that the EPQ-RS’s general factor and the group factor had different patterns of associations with the NEO PI–R domains and facets. These associations were consistent with the definition of the EPQ–RS Neuroticism scale’s general factor and that of the group factor. Further investigation into the EPQ–RS Neuroticism scale’s structure can improve our understanding of neuroticism’s relationship with health and other outcomes.