The General Factor of Personality (GFP), trait emotional intelligence, and problem behaviors in Japanese teens

Abstract

This study examined associations of the General Factor of Personality (GFP) with trait emotional intelligence (EI) and emotional and behavioral problems in Japanese children and adolescents. We used self- and parent-rated personality data to extract the two GFPs using the Ten Item Personality Inventory. Participants were 10,357 Japanese children and adolescents (M = 13.99 years; SD = 2.53; range 9–18; 5177 boys, 5168 girls, 12 unknown). Correlational and multiple regression analyses revealed that the two GFPs were significantly associated with trait EI. However, the association between the self-rated GFP and trait EI was weaker than previously reported. The GFPs were also associated with emotional and behavioral problems in children and adolescents above and beyond trait EI. These findings support the notion that the GFP reflects social effectiveness and imply differences in the GFP-trait EI association between youths and adults.