Cattell's 16 Personality Factors

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Cattell's 16 Personality Factors

Understanding human personality has long piqued people's interest. In order to understand how personality evolves and affects behavior, many theories have been created.

To identify and explain the unique distinctions between people's personalities, psychologist Raymond Cattell developed a taxonomy of 16 different personality traits. This taxonomy is one such theory.

The trait approach to personality and the 16 Cattell-identified personality variables are discussed in this article. It also goes into the 16PF Questionnaire's applications and possible interpretations of test findings.

The Fundamentals 

The best way to define and describe personality has long been a topic of discussion among psychologists. The trait theory of personality is one of these important concepts.

Trait theory states that a number of general qualities or dispositions make up human personality.

Several of the first characteristic theories made an effort to categorize every single trait that might be conceivably present. For instance, Gordon Allport, a psychologist, found that there are over 4,000 words in the English language that can be used to represent different personality qualities.

Although this method proved effective at locating many qualities, it is cumbersome and challenging to utilize. For instance, a lot of these features are very similar to one another, making it challenging to separate some traits from others. Furthermore, such uncertainty makes it challenging to study many personality traits. 

History of the 16 Factors

Cattell, who was born in 1905, lived to see the creation of numerous 20th-century innovations, including electricity, telephones, automobiles, and airplanes. These discoveries inspired him, and he was anxious to apply the same scientific principles to the study of the human mind and personality.

He thought that personality was more than just an elusive, untestable mystery. It was a subject that could be structured and studied. Human qualities and behaviors could be predicted through scientific study based on underlying personality factors.

Charles Spearman, a psychologist noted for his groundbreaking work in statistics, collaborated with Cattell. Later, Cattell would build his own personality taxonomy—the 16PF Questionnaire—using the factor analysis methods Spearman had pioneered.

The 16 Personality Factors

16 PF Personality Test | Cognizavest | Psychology Learning

Allport's list was examined by psychologist Raymond Cattell, who reduced it to 171 traits primarily by removing words that were repetitive or unusual. He then determined which attributes are connected to one another using a statistical method called factor analysis. He was able to reduce his list to 16 important personality traits using this technique.

There is a spectrum of personality qualities, according to Cattell. To put it another way, every person possesses some combination of all 16 of these features, albeit they may be stronger in some than others.

Some of the descriptive phrases used for each of Cattell's 16 personality dimensions are listed in the following personality trait list.

1. Abstractedness: Imaginative versus practical (M)

Descriptors of low range: logical, sensible, traditional, problem-focused, steady, and grounded

Descriptors of high range: abstract, creative, forgetful, impractical, and preoccupied with multiple thoughts

2. Apprehension: Worried versus confident (O)

Descriptors of low range: self-assured, unconcerned, content, secure, guilt-free, confident, and satisfied with oneself

Descriptors of high range: uncertainty, self-doubt, worry, tendency to feel guilty, insecurity, worry, and self-blame

3. Dominance: Forceful versus submissive (E)

Descriptors of low range: cooperative, avoids conflict, is meek, humble, and obedient, easily led, docile and agreeable.

Descriptors of high range: domineering, strong, confident, aggressive, competitive, obstinate, and overbearing

4. Emotional stability: Calm versus high-strung (C)

Descriptors of low range: emotionally reactive, unstable emotionally, susceptible to feelings, and quickly agitated

Descriptors of high range: emotionally secure, flexible, mature, and composed when facing reality

5. Liveliness: Spontaneous versus restrained (F)

Descriptors of low range: serious, careful, taciturn, reflective, and silent

Descriptors of high range: vibrant, lively, spontaneous, ardent, positive, upbeat, expressive, and impetuous

6. Openness to change: Flexible versus attached to the familiar (Q1)

Descriptors of low range: traditional, clinging to the known, conservative, and honoring traditional values

Descriptors of high range: flexible, exploratory, liberal, critical, analytical, and open to new ideas

7. Perfectionism: Controlled versus undisciplined (Q3)

Descriptors of low range:  tolerates disarray, is loose-lipped, adaptable, undisciplined, unreliable, insecure, impulsive, irresponsible, and uncontrolled

Descriptors of high range: organized, compulsive, self-disciplined, socially accurate, meticulous, in control, and sentimental perfectionists

8. Privateness: Discreet versus open (N)

Descriptors of low range: direct, sincere, unpretentious, open-minded, guileless, sincere, and interested 

Descriptors of high range: secret, non-disclosing, cunning, sophisticated, intelligent, and diplomatic

9. Reasoning: Abstract versus concrete (B)

Descriptors of low range: concrete-thinking, less clever, less mentally capable overall, and unable to deal with complex issues

Descriptors of high range: increased general mental capacity, greater intelligence, brighter, and faster learner

10. Rule-consciousness: Conforming versus non-conforming (G)

Descriptors of low range: expedient, disobedient, disregards the law, and indulgent

Descriptors of high range: rule-bound, rule-conscious, duty-bound, conscientious, complying, moralistic

11. Self-reliance: Self-sufficient versus dependent (Q2)

Descriptors of low range: group-focused, affiliative, a joiner, and dependent on followers

Descriptors of high range: self-sufficient, independent, resourceful, and individualistic

12. Sensitivity: Tender-hearted versus tough-minded (I)

Descriptors of low range: utilitarian, objective, impersonal, hard-headed, independent, no-nonsense, and gruff

Descriptors of high range: artistic, sensitive, soft-hearted, perceptive, and sophisticated

13. Social boldness: Uninhibited versus shy (H)

Descriptors of low range: timid, reluctant, fearful, and intimidated

Descriptors of high range: socially outgoing, risk-taking, tough-skinned, and unrestrained

14. Tension: Inpatient versus relaxed (Q4)

Descriptors of low range: relaxed, tranquil, placid, peaceful, tepid, patient

Descriptors of high range: Time-driven, tense, high-energy, impatient, frustrated, and motivated

15. Vigilance: Suspicious versus trusting (L)

Descriptors of low range: dependable, unwavering, accepting, and simple

Descriptors of high range: always on the lookout, wary, doubtful, and hostile

16. Warmth: Outgoing versus reserved (A)

Descriptors of low range: impersonal, chilly, restrained, disinterested, formal, and aloof

Descriptors of high range: warm, extroverted, perceptive of others, pleasant, laid-back, enjoys engaging with others, and likes people

16PF Questionnaire

Now that we are all on the same page about Cattell’s 16 Personality Factors, I want to give you access to a FREE VERSION of this personality test which you can share with your clients as well as use it during your sessions. This resource has surely helped me a lot of times! 

16PF Questionnaire

Now that we are all on the same page about