The M5-PS-35: a five-factor personality questionnaire for preschool children

J Pers Assess. 2012;94(3):287-95. doi: 10.1080/00223891.2011.653063. Epub 2012 Feb 6.

Abstract

The Five-factor theory of personality (FFT) has pervaded personality research in recent years. Although many reliable and valid measurement instruments exist for use with adults, adolescents, and even elementary-age children, there is a lack of available 5-factor measurement tools for use with preschool children. This article expands on previous work developing the M5-PS, a rating form for preschool children designed to be completed by classroom teachers or caregivers. A total of 621 children were rated by their teachers on the 90-item working form of the M5-PS. Through a combination of empirical and rational scale refinement methods, the number of items has been reduced to 35, yielding a revised instrument, the M5-PS-35, with substantially improved construct validity and scale internal consistency. Potential changes in external validity were evaluated by comparative reanalysis of an existing data set.

MeSH terms

  • Caregivers
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Factor Analysis, Statistical
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Male
  • Personality Assessment / statistics & numerical data*
  • Personality*
  • Psychometrics / statistics & numerical data
  • Surveys and Questionnaires*