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An analysis of reinforcement sensitivity theory and the five-factor model

Publication ,  Journal Article
Mitchell, JT; Kimbrel, NA; Hundt, NE; Cobb, AR; Nelson-Gray, RO; Lootens, CM
Published in: European Journal of Personality
November 1, 2007

Reinforcement Sensitivity Theory (RST) and the Five-Factor Model (FFM) are two prominent personality accounts that have emerged from different backgrounds. Although the two accounts are applied to similar research topics, there is limited empirical work examining the correspondence between them. The current study explored the relationship between RST-based personality traits and the FFM domains and facets in an undergraduate sample (n = 668). Regression analyses indicated that Sensitivity to Punishment (SP) was positively associated with Neuroticism and Agreeableness, and negatively associated with Extraversion, Openness, and Conscientiousness. In contrast, Sensitivity to Reward (SR) was positively associated with Extraversion and Neuroticism, and negatively associated with Agreeableness and Conscientiousness. Exploratory analyses at the facet level specified the relationship between SP, SR, and each domain. A factor analysis was also conducted to explore the higher-order factor structure of RST and the FFM domains. Three factors emerged, which we labelled SP, Stability-Impulsivity, and Sensation Seeking. Taken together, these findings suggest that there is substantial overlap between these two accounts of personality. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

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Published In

European Journal of Personality

DOI

EISSN

1099-0984

ISSN

0890-2070

Publication Date

November 1, 2007

Volume

21

Issue

7

Start / End Page

869 / 887

Related Subject Headings

  • Social Psychology
  • 3209 Neurosciences
  • 3202 Clinical sciences
  • 3101 Biochemistry and cell biology
  • 1701 Psychology
 

Citation

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Mitchell, J. T., Kimbrel, N. A., Hundt, N. E., Cobb, A. R., Nelson-Gray, R. O., & Lootens, C. M. (2007). An analysis of reinforcement sensitivity theory and the five-factor model. European Journal of Personality, 21(7), 869–887. https://doi.org/10.1002/per.644
Mitchell, J. T., N. A. Kimbrel, N. E. Hundt, A. R. Cobb, R. O. Nelson-Gray, and C. M. Lootens. “An analysis of reinforcement sensitivity theory and the five-factor model.” European Journal of Personality 21, no. 7 (November 1, 2007): 869–87. https://doi.org/10.1002/per.644.
Mitchell JT, Kimbrel NA, Hundt NE, Cobb AR, Nelson-Gray RO, Lootens CM. An analysis of reinforcement sensitivity theory and the five-factor model. European Journal of Personality. 2007 Nov 1;21(7):869–87.
Mitchell, J. T., et al. “An analysis of reinforcement sensitivity theory and the five-factor model.” European Journal of Personality, vol. 21, no. 7, Nov. 2007, pp. 869–87. Scopus, doi:10.1002/per.644.
Mitchell JT, Kimbrel NA, Hundt NE, Cobb AR, Nelson-Gray RO, Lootens CM. An analysis of reinforcement sensitivity theory and the five-factor model. European Journal of Personality. 2007 Nov 1;21(7):869–887.
Journal cover image

Published In

European Journal of Personality

DOI

EISSN

1099-0984

ISSN

0890-2070

Publication Date

November 1, 2007

Volume

21

Issue

7

Start / End Page

869 / 887

Related Subject Headings

  • Social Psychology
  • 3209 Neurosciences
  • 3202 Clinical sciences
  • 3101 Biochemistry and cell biology
  • 1701 Psychology