Relation between rigidity and traint dimensions assassed by Big Five Plus Two (VP+2)

Abstract

The aim of this study is to examine the relation between rigidity and personality traits assessed by Big five plus two questionnaire, which is the result of a decade long lexical study in serbian language. Rigidity in this study is defined as any repetition and any fixed mode of thinking, self and the environment perceiving or reacting to different external stimuli. Instrument was constructed with items that include a variety of situations in which it was assumed that the rigidity is expressed. The sample consists of 222 participants (72 males and 150 females) from Novi Sad, aged 19 to 60 years. Factor analysis retained one factor (the rigidity factor) whose psychometric caracteristics are satisfactory. The results show no significant gender differences in scores on the rigidity questionnaire, while significant positive correlation (p <.01) was obtained between age and rigidity. Relations between rigidity (as criterion variable), basic personality dimensions from Big five plus two questionnaire, and age (as predictor) were examined using multiple regression analysis. The results show that significant partial contributions to the prediction of scores on the rigidity dimension provide age, Neuroticism, Conscientiousness, Openness to experience and Negative valence. All predictors except Openness to Experience were positively correlated with the concept of rigidity. Based on the results, it can be concluded that the rigidity is significantly associated with basic personality dimensions.