Structure and Sources of Core Self-Evaluations: Construct Validation Using Multi-Rater and Genetically Informative Designs

Abstract

Self-efficacy, internal locus of control, self-esteem and emotional stability are characterized by substantial theoretical overlap and empirical associations. In previous research, these four characteristics were frequently suggested to represent a common personality construct referred to as core self-evaluations (CSE). However, neither the structure of the construct CSE has been sufficiently validated nor its genetic and environmental sources examined, so far. The current study bridges this gap. Applying multitrait-multirater analyses of 2377 self- and 1176 informant-reports, we found substantial common variance beyond self-rater specificity, item specificity and random measurement error. Furthermore, using genetically informative data from 1146 twins, we investigated common and specific genetic and environmental sources of variance in the four characteristics. Common variance was substantially attributable to additive genetic and nonshared environmental influences, which were mediated by a higher-order latent variable. The results support the validity of the construct’s hierarchical structure with a common latent core trait accounting for the covariance between the four characteristics. Beyond nonshared environmental components specific to the four characteristics, nonadditive genetic sources accounted for common variance in self-efficacy and internal locus of control, whereas specific additive genetic factors explained variance in emotional stability, implying that these characteristics also include divergently valid aspects of personality.