Overarching personality paradigm: A neo-Cattellian psychometric model.

Research into a paradigm of human personality first requires the taxonomic delineation of normal and abnormal personality trait constructs, dynamic (motivation) traits, and transitory (emotional/mood) states. The Cattellian Psychometric Model is such an empirically-derived taxonomy of factor-analytically elucidated psychological constructs. Following Kline's suggestion that Cattell's model comprising 92 primary factors needed simplification, the present paper reports on a series of programmatic factor-analytic studies reducing the model down to just 30 separate factors, enabling construction of a whole suite of modern neo-Cattellian instruments. The present paper provides the point of departure for advancing measurement and research based on a more parsimonious Neo-Cattellian Psychometric Model. Construction of modern objective (T-data) personality test measures would greatly help to minimise the subjectivity of the current plethora of introspective, item-transparent self-report questionnaires and/or rating scales. Cattell's approach (including both his elaborate VIDAS systems model as well as his modulation theory and state-liability trait theory) continues to offer a general framework for understanding many controversies still faced today in relation to specific themes and problems in personality psychology. Major Outcomes of this Research Program: • 68% reduction of 16PF primary factors down to 5 broad second-stratum factors with significantly greater simple structure than for FFM measures. • 50% reduction of 12 CAQ abnormal personality trait dimensions down to six broad psychopathology factors. • 65% reduction of 20 (U and I) MAT factors down to seven broad dynamic trait factors. • 67% reduction of 12 (8SQ/POMS/DES-IV) primary mood-state factors down to just four broad state factors. • 68% reduction of 92 CPM primary factors (ability, personality, motivation, and mood-state) down to just 30 broad factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]