diagram it appears that the traditional axes labeled “Love” and “Status”
are intermediate between E and A. In other words, both systems de -
scribe the same circle of traits, but they do so from somewhat different
starting points.
Joint factor analysis (Costa & McCrae, 1988a) was also useful in
understanding Murray’s (1938) needs as measured by Jackson’s (1984)Personality Research Form (PRF). Table 6 gives factor loadings; by con -
centrating on the larger loadings (in boldface), the relationship between
needs and personality factors can be seen. These data (from a group ofpeople originally recruited to provide ratings on our BLSA subjects)suggest that individuals high in Neuroticism worry about others’ opin -
ions of them (need for Social Recognition), are defensive and guarded
(need for Defendence), and want care and sympathy (need for Succor -
ance). Extraverts need social contact (Affiliation), attention (Exhibi -Measuring Personality 53
TABLE 5. California Q-Set Items Defining the Five Factors
Factor Low scorer High scorer
Neuroticism Calm, relaxed Thin-skinned
Satisfied with self Basically anxiousClear-cut personality IrritablePrides self on objectivity Guilt-prone
Extraversion Emotionally bland Talkative
Avoids close relationships GregariousOvercontrol of impulses Socially poisedSubmissive Behaves assertively
Openness Favors conservative values Values intellectual matters
Judges in conventional terms Rebellious, nonconformingUncomfortable with complexities Unusual thought processesMoralistic Introspective
Agreeableness Critical, skeptical Sympathetic, considerate
Shows condescending behavior Warm, compassionateTries to push limits Arouses likingExpresses hostility directly Behaves in a giving way
Conscientiousness Eroticizes situations Behaves ethically
Unable to delay gratification Dependable, responsibleSelf-indulgent ProductiveEngages in fantasy , daydreams Has high aspiration level
Note. Adapted from McCrae, Costa, and Busch (1986).