ABSTRACT

This paper reports two independent studies investigating personality types using cluster analysis based on the five-factor personality model. In the first study, we focused on identifying the most appropriate cluster number by checking the replicability of two to eight clusters across two random halves of a nationally representative Romanian sample. The second study established the external validity of the more replicable three-cluster and five-cluster solution by studying their relations to specific self-reported behaviors. The results indicate good validity for a five-cluster solution describing the following personality types: resilient, undercontrolled, strain, overcontrolled, and passive. The findings are discussed in relation to a suggested classification based on degrees of self-control and of adaptation / flexibility.

KEYWORDS: Five-factor personality model, Big Five, cluster analysis, personality type, resilient type, DECAS Personality Inventory

PAGES: 359-384