Higher-order factors of the Big Five.

TLDR

Personality theorists have provisionally labeled two metatraits alpha and beta. The authors factor‑analysed correlations from 14 studies (5 child/adolescent, 9 adult) and confirmed two models—one for each age group—using confirmatory factor analysis with generally excellent fit. All studies revealed two higher‑order factors: one mainly comprising Agreeableness, Conscientiousness, and Emotional Stability, and the other comprising Extraversion and Intellect.

Abstract

Estimated factor correlations from 14 studies supporting the 5 factor, Big Five model of personality trait organization--5 studies based on children and adolescents, 9 on adults--were factor analyzed. Two higher-order factors were clearly evident in all studies. One was principally related to the Big Five trait dimensions Agreeableness, Conscientiousness, and Emotional Stability; the other, the dimensions Extraversion and Intellect. Two models, one for children and adolescents, the other for adults, were tested by confirmatory factor analysis with generally excellent results. Many personality theorists appear to have considered one or both of these 2 metatraits, provisionally labeled alpha and beta.