VALIDATION OF THE EP4 NEUROTICISM SUBSCALES USING A JAPANESE SAMPLE

Abstract

Recently, researchers have been examining the structure of the Neuroticism (N) scale in the Eysenck Personality Questionnaire (EPQ). Several have proposed that the N scale reflects two distinct components. The purpose of the present study was to provide a cross-cultural examination of the dual nature of the EPQ's N scale using a sample of 246 Japanese undergraduates. This study found support for Roger and Morris' (1991) position that the N scale reflects a “Social Sensitivity” and a “Moodiness” component. There was also some support for Francis' (1993) sex-related component (N-S) but not the sex-free component (N-A). Concerns were raised over the psychometric properties of the scale especially the internal consistency reliability.