Alternative four-factor structure of the Mini-IPIP in Thailand

Abstract

This paper reports on the first study of the structure of the Mini-IPIP in Thailand. A modified version was used that included additional Honesty-Humility items. A four-factor structure was found in a Southern Thai community sample (N=212), that did not match previously reported factor structures. When using a separate student sample (N=201), the structure was partially replicated.  Two socially oriented dimensions (Social Approach versus Social Withdrawal; Traditional Affiliation), Neuroticism, and a broad Egotism factor capturing low Humility and low Conscientiousness items, emerged. The trait structure in this non-Western sample shows some meaningful divergence from standard five-factor models, suggesting possible cultural modulation of basic personality descriptions.