Principal Investigator:

Patrick M. Markey, PhD, Department of Psychology, Villanova University

Funded by a grant from the National Institute of Child Health and Development (#HD32465-02).

The research project, "Children's Behavioral Manifestations of the Five-Factor Model of Personality" examined relations between ratings of children's personalities using the Five-Factor Model of personality and behaviors exhibited by children during an interaction with their parents. Ninety-four (94) children (mean age =10.87 years) and their parents participated in a video-taped interaction during a laboratory visit; children's behaviors were coded using a revised version of the Riverside Behavioral Q-Sort. During a separate laboratory visit mothers completed ratings of their children's personalities using the NEO-FFI Personality Inventory. Results indicate an interesting and intuitive pattern of relations between children's personalities and their behaviors. Children rated as neurotic tended to be self-critical, expressed guilt, manifested self-pity, were insecure, and showed physical signs of tension. Extraverted children were dominant and controlling; they offered advice, interviewed their parents, and talked about themselves.

Children who were seen as agreeable expressed and sought agreement from their parents, engaged in eye contact and physical contact (e.g., hugging, kissing, etc.), and seemed to like their parents. While conscientious children were warm and sympathetic towards their parents as they exhibited social skills, intelligence, and ambition. These findings suggest that four of the five factors included in the FFM provide an appropriate framework for discussing children's personalities.