Bridging Personality and Neurobiology in the Study of Psychopathology: Interfacing the Five Factor Model of Personality with the Triarchic Neurobehavioral Trait Framework

• Other Authors: Drislane, Laura E. (authoraut)
• Format: Others
• Language: English; English
• Published: Florida State University
• Subjects: Clinical psychology
• Online Access: http://purl.flvc.org/fsu/fd/FSU_2017SP_Drislane_fsu_0071E_13702

Personality trait approaches have proven highly valuable in the study of mental health problems, but their value could be enhanced by interfacing trait constructs more clearly with variables in the domain of biology. The current research sought to interface the five factor model (FFM) of personality with the triarchic neurobehavioral trait framework, a model that focuses on dimensions that have a basis in both behavior and physiology. Study 1 utilized a large sample of adults and undergraduates (N = 861) to investigate the intersections of the FFM and triarchic models. FFM domains and facets were measured using the NEO-PI-R (Costa & McCrae, 1992), while the triarchic dimensions were modeled as latent factors using Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA). The domains of the FFM showed complex, configural relations with triarchic CFA factor scores. Further, this study demonstrated that the NEO-PI-R can be reconfigured to index the triarchic model constructs though the construction of item-based NEO-Triarchic scales (NEO-Tri) using an established consensus rating approach. The triarchic CFA factors and FFM domains predicted significant variance in self-reported antisocial behavior and substance use, and this prediction was maintained for reconfigured NEO-Tri scales. Study 2 (N = 212 undergraduates and adults from the community) utilized data from a multi-domain assessment study that included questionnaire inventories, physiological testing, and structured diagnostic interviewing, to demonstrate how reconfiguring the FFM to index the triarchic model constructs can enhance its predictive association with brain response (a factor defined by event-related potentials derived from three separate tasks) while maintaining robust associations with symptoms of psychopathology. The current work illustrates the utility of interfacing the FFM and triarchic neurobehavioral trait models as a basis for linking psychopathology more effectively to neurobiological concepts and measures. The benefits of focusing on neurobehavioral trait constructs more broadly as targets of psychopathology research are also discussed. === A Dissertation submitted to the Department of Psychology in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy. === Spring Semester 2017. === March 3, 2017. === event-related potentials, personality, triarchic model === Includes bibliographical references. === Christopher J. Patrick, Professor Directing Dissertation; Kevin Beaver, University Representative; Natalie Sachs-Ericsson, Committee Member; Alexandria Meyer, Committee Member; Elizabeth Hammock, Committee Member.