Unpacking the Personality-Cognitive Ability Link: A Cross-National Facet-Level Analysis of the Big Five
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| Title: | Unpacking the Personality-Cognitive Ability Link: A Cross-National Facet-Level Analysis of the Big Five |
|---|---|
| Language: | English |
| Authors: | Beatrice Rammstedt, Vera Vogel, Matthias Roth, Clemens Lechner |
| Source: | Large-scale Assessments in Education. 2026 14. |
| Availability: | Springer. Available from: Springer Nature. One New York Plaza, Suite 4600, New York, NY 10004. Tel: 800-777-4643; Tel: 212-460-1500; Fax: 212-460-1700; e-mail: customerservice@springernature.com; Web site: https://link.springer.com/ |
| Peer Reviewed: | Y |
| Page Count: | 12 |
| Publication Date: | 2026 |
| Document Type: | Journal Articles Reports - Research |
| Descriptors: | Personality Traits, Cognitive Ability, Adults, Cross Cultural Studies, Psychological Studies |
| DOI: | 10.1186/s40536-026-00281-2 |
| ISSN: | 2196-0739 |
| Abstract: | Background: Numerous studies have demonstrated robust--albeit modest--associations between personality and cognitive ability, with a shared variance of 5-10%. Previous research has largely focused on global personality dimensions, such as the Big Five. Recent studies suggest that narrower personality facets may enhance our understanding of the personality-cognitive ability link. However, these studies typically rely on selective samples from single countries, limiting insights into populational and cross-cultural variation. Findings: This study is the first to focus on the associations between personality facets and cognitive ability using comprehensive, population-representative data from 12 countries. We investigated the relationships between 15 Big Five facets and cognitive ability by analyzing shared variance and bivariate associations. Three main findings emerged: (1) Personality facets account for almost twice the variance (R² = 0.10) in cognitive ability compared to broad personality domains (R² = 0.06). (2) Facets provide a more nuanced picture of the personality-cognitive ability link and reveal differential associations masked at the domain level. (3) We could show for the first time that associations at the facet level differ across countries, with the strongest variation observed in facets of Openness. Conclusions: Our findings underscore the added value of examining personality at the facet level. This more granular approach offers deeper insights into the interplay between personality and cognitive ability. Results highlight the importance of considering cultural variability in psychological research and pinpointing its origins. |
| Abstractor: | As Provided |
| Entry Date: | 2026 |
| Accession Number: | EJ1503445 |
| Database: | ERIC |
| Abstract: | Background: Numerous studies have demonstrated robust--albeit modest--associations between personality and cognitive ability, with a shared variance of 5-10%. Previous research has largely focused on global personality dimensions, such as the Big Five. Recent studies suggest that narrower personality facets may enhance our understanding of the personality-cognitive ability link. However, these studies typically rely on selective samples from single countries, limiting insights into populational and cross-cultural variation. Findings: This study is the first to focus on the associations between personality facets and cognitive ability using comprehensive, population-representative data from 12 countries. We investigated the relationships between 15 Big Five facets and cognitive ability by analyzing shared variance and bivariate associations. Three main findings emerged: (1) Personality facets account for almost twice the variance (R² = 0.10) in cognitive ability compared to broad personality domains (R² = 0.06). (2) Facets provide a more nuanced picture of the personality-cognitive ability link and reveal differential associations masked at the domain level. (3) We could show for the first time that associations at the facet level differ across countries, with the strongest variation observed in facets of Openness. Conclusions: Our findings underscore the added value of examining personality at the facet level. This more granular approach offers deeper insights into the interplay between personality and cognitive ability. Results highlight the importance of considering cultural variability in psychological research and pinpointing its origins. |
|---|---|
| ISSN: | 2196-0739 |
| DOI: | 10.1186/s40536-026-00281-2 |
