The relationship between Eysenck’s P-E-N model of personality, the five-factor model of personality, and traits delineating personality dysfunction

Multiple regression and principal components analysis was used to (1) identify the traits of normal personality function represented in personality dysfunction, (2) clarify what aspects of the personality domain are in common and are unique to three and five factor models of personality, and (3) assess the relative predictive validity of the EPQ-R to the NEO-PI-R in the assessment of personality dysfunction. Three hundred and thirty two general population subjects completed the NEO-PI-R, the EPQ-R, and a measure of personality disorder: the Dimensional Assessment of Personality Pathology (DAPP-BQ). Neuroticism defined a factor describing emotional dysregulation, a central feature in the diagnosis of Borderline Personality Disorder. Measures of extraversion defined a factor describing levels of inhibition, a core component to the diagnosis of Schizoid and Avoidant Personality Disorder. NEO-PI-R Conscientiousness was found to reflect key concepts in the diagnosis of Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder and NEO-PI-R Agreeableness defined a factor describing psychopathy. EPQ-R Psychoticism loaded on a separate factor describing conduct problems. Multiple regression analyses showed that the EPQ-R accounts for a significant proportion of the variance in each DAPP-BQ scale, (R2Adjusted RANGE=6–43%; MEDIAN=21%). Addition of the five NEO-PI-R scales was shown to increase the amount of variance accounted for, in most cases significantly (change in R2Adjusted range: 2–58%, median CHANGE=26%).