Validation of an abridged, 60-item form, of the Junior Spanish NEO inventory (JS NEO-A60)

Abstract

The aim of this study was to develop a 60-item, abridged form of the Junior Spanish version of the NEO-PI-R (JS NEO-A60), consisting of 12 items per dimension. A sample of 399 high school students completed two personality scales to examine the factor structure (Exploratory Structural Equation Model), reliability and convergent validity of the JS NEO-A60. Our sample also completed several consequential life outcome measures in order to examine criterion validity. The five-factor structure, along with representation of the majority of lower-order facets, was satisfactorily covered by the JS NEO-A60. Sources of reliability (internal consistency and test-retest) and validity (convergent) were adequate. The life outcome variables revealed links to personality traits in the expected direction. Namely, internalizing emotional symptoms (anxiety and depression) were mainly predicted by emotional instability. Symptoms of behavioral problems (aggression and antisocial behavior) were predicted by low scores in both agreeableness and conscientiousness. Life satisfaction was significantly predicted by emotional stability. Last, academic performance via students’ grades was predicted by conscientiousness and openness. We conclude that the JS NEO-A60 is a sound inventory to assess the five broad personality domains in Spanish-speaking adolescents.