A three-factor model of personality predicts changes in depression and subjective well-being following positive psychology interventions

Abstract

These studies investigated a new model of personality and its relationship to positive psychology interventions. Previous theoretical models and research into the structure of personality has seen disagreement concerning the true number of factors at the basis of personality. Furthermore, the link between personality and positive psychology interventions has been unclear. The following studies were undertaken to determine the structure of personality in a Canadian sample (N = 4375 at baseline) and to investigate how these personality factors predict depression, satisfaction with life, and affect following positive psychology interventions. Participants were recruited online and randomly assigned to one of ten exercise conditions which were performed every day for one week. Follow-ups were conducted one, three, and six months later. Using half of the sample (n = 2188), exploratory factor analysis was conducted on a comprehensive battery of personality questionnaires, which included measures of extraversion, neuroticism, conscientiousness, agreeableness, and openness to experience (the five-factor model) in addition to neediness, self-criticism, efficacy, self-esteem, gratitude, self-compassion, and attachment styles. The resulting three-factor model was validated using confirmatory factor analysis with the second half of the sample (n = 2186). The best fitting model for personality involved a threefactor solution interpreted to represent Equanimity, Insecurity, and Agency. The factors were then included in a latent growth curve model to determine how personality interacted with positive psychology interventions to predict depression and subjective well-being, both at baseline and over time. The results support the validity of a three-factor model of personality. In addition, this model proved useful in the study of individual differences in responding to positive psychology interventions. Limitations of this research and future directions are discussed.iii

How Does It Feel to Be Online? Psychotherapists’ Self-Perceptions in Telepsychotherapy Sessions During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Italy

“…To determine the number of factors that should be retained, Horn's parallel analysis was performed with an eigenvalue > 1. To detect the variables to be included in each factor, a cutoff loading value > 0.3 (after Promax rotation) was used, as in previous studies (e.g., Parker et al, 2011;Koelewijn et al, 2014;Fagioli et al, 2015;Barnes and Mongrain, 2020). The resulting items in each factor were scored as means.…”

Exploring the Relationship Between Compassion and Attachment in Individuals with Mental Health Difficulties: A Systematic Review

“…In line with the evolutionary understanding of compassion, Barnes and Mongrain (2020) suggested that the personality factor of 'equanimity' can be mapped onto the soothing system as described by Gilbert (2020). Indicating positive intrapersonal and interpersonal relationships, equanimity was defined as the presence of balanced mental health, self-compassion, low attachment avoidance and socially desirable characteristics (Barnes & Mongrain, 2020). While the interplay between self-compassion and low attachment avoidance belong to a wider personality trait linked to adaptive psychological functioning (Barnes & Mongrain, 2020), Mackintosh et al (2018) argued that the relationship between attachment and the development of compassion is not straightforward as individuals with an avoidant attachment style may have negative or positive internal working models.…”

“…The review highlighted a relationship between compassion and attachment dimensions. In line with the evolutionary understanding of compassion, Barnes and Mongrain (2020) suggested that the personality factor of 'equanimity' can be mapped onto the soothing system as described by Gilbert (2020). Indicating positive intrapersonal and interpersonal relationships, equanimity was defined as the presence of balanced mental health, self-compassion, low attachment avoidance and socially desirable characteristics (Barnes & Mongrain, 2020).…”

“…Indicating positive intrapersonal and interpersonal relationships, equanimity was defined as the presence of balanced mental health, self-compassion, low attachment avoidance and socially desirable characteristics (Barnes & Mongrain, 2020). While the interplay between self-compassion and low attachment avoidance belong to a wider personality trait linked to adaptive psychological functioning (Barnes & Mongrain, 2020), Mackintosh et al (2018) argued that the relationship between attachment and the development of compassion is not straightforward as individuals with an avoidant attachment style may have negative or positive internal working models. Despite attachment insecurity, a pre-existing positive sense of self and relationship might facilitate the development of selfcompassion.…”

Increasing Stress Resilience in Difficult Times: Integrating Proven Practices from Biofeedback and Psychotherapy

“…This is particularly important for stress resilience as people develop the ability to be in the present moment with people's stress and not avoid. Interventions used in both mindfulness and positive psychology approaches demonstrate that equanimity can be learned and developed (Barnes & Mongrain, 2020; Desbordes et al, 2015; Jijina & Biswas, 2022; Juneau et al, 2021). Juneau et al (2021) found that mindfulness practice and equanimity impacted participant responses such that automatic avoidance tendencies were reduced.…”