Is openness to experience an independent personality dimension?: Convergent and discriminant validity of the openness domain and its NEO-PI-R facets

Abstract

The Openness to Experience personality dimension has been challenged for its lack of independence from other personality constructs. In order to test whether Openness is an independent trait, we applied the following psychometric tests to a sample of 1006 nonpsychology university students: NEO-PI-R, EPQ-RS, ZKPQ-III-R, and SSS-V. Results suggest that most of the Openness variance remains to be explained. Therefore, this domain can be considered independent within the personality area, although Extraversion and, above all, Sensation Seeking presented significant relationships with the Openness scales. Each NEO-PI-R Openness facet shows a different pattern of relationships with other personality constructs proposed by the Five-Factor, Eysenck's, and Zuckerman's theories. Those relationships are discussed.