Toward a biological basis of the FFM Meta-traits: Associations between the Fisher Type Indicator (FTI) temperament construct and the hierarchical Five Factor Model (FFM) of personality

Abstract

BackgroundThis large-scale (N = 1870) replication effort of Fisher et al. (2015) (N = 190) examines associations between the Fisher Type Indicator (FTI) temperament construct and the hierarchical Big5/Five Factor Model (FFM) of personality. AimThe original and current studies are among contemporary efforts to link biologically related temperament/personality dimensions with socio-cultural and lexical personality traits. In this context, the current study explores possible links between FFM traits and higher-order personality factors such as the ‘Big Two’ (Stability and Plasticity) and the General Factor of Personality (GFP) and their implications. MethodsBoth studies examine possible associations between four broad neural systems—dopamine and related norepinephrine, serotonin, testosterone, and estrogen/oxytocin and Big5/FFM personality traits. The current sample size is ten times larger (1870 vs. 190) and represents a much broader age distribution (13–82 vs. 20–22) than the original study. Similar statistical procedures were employed to ensure accurate methodological replication. Results and conclusionsThe current study replicated most FTI-FFM associations reported in the original study, thereby lending greater validity to the original findings. Given the current study's larger sample and broader age range, it extended into three other domains: 1. Improved understanding of dopamine-serotonin based meta-traits in the FFM construct and beyond; 2. Consolidated and expanded understanding of gender-related temperament differences; 3. Explore developmental aspects concerning how associations between biological-temperament and socio-cultural FFM personality traits change with age.