Psychometric properties of the German version of the NEO-FFI in psychosomatic outpatients

The five factor model of personality has received widespread attention during the last years. The NEO-Five-Factor Inventory (NEO-FFI) is one of the most widely used instruments to assess the dimensions of the five-factor model. The psychometric properties of the German version of the NEO-FFI were studied on a large sample of psychosomatic outpatients (n=950). Internal consistencies and intercorrelations were in line with results reported in other studies. Concurrent validity, evaluated by studying the relationship between NEO-FFI dimensions and Symptom Check List (SCL-90-R) and Inventory of Interpersonal Problems (IIP-C) subscales, was high. Confirmatory factor analysis failed to support the original five-factor model and two subsequent models. Logistic regression analysis showed that the dimensions Neuroticism and Conscientiousness discriminated between patients with personality disorders and those with other mental disorders.