A structured interview for the assessment of the Five-Factor Model of Personality.

Abstract

The authors report on the psychometric properties of a new semistructured interview, the Structured Interview for the Five-Factor Model of Personality (SIFFM; T. J. Trull & T. A. Widiger, 1997). The SIFFM assesses major dimensions of the five-factor model (FFM) as well as trait facets for each dimension. Analyses of data obtained from both nonclinical and clinical participants support the reliability and validity of SIFFM scores. Specifically, SIFFM scores were reliable across raters, were internally consistent and relatively stable over time, and were correlated with scores from related measures (e.g., personality, personality disorders). The authors discuss the need for and attractiveness of an interview-based measure of the FFM in assessing normal and dysfunctional personality traits.