Personality profiles differentially predict well-being at the facet level: A latent profile analysis of the five factor model facets

This study (N = 484 participants recruited through CloudResearch at a single measurement occasion) was the first to use a person-centered approach on the Five Factor Model facets and to discover how profile membership related to various well-being outcomes (i.e., life satisfaction, psychological richness, meaning, goal orientation, and beyond-the-self orientation). We compared a trait level LPA with a facet level LPA of the same sample, finding a four-profile model at the trait level (i.e., Resilients, Anti-resilients, Over-controllers, Under-controllers) and a five-profile model at the facet level, which introduced Ordinarys into the model. The facet level LPA captured nuance in differentiating profiles beyond what the trait level LPA could. The facet level profiles differentially related to well-being. Resilients—driven by high energy and productiveness—enjoyed the best well-being outcomes and Anti-resilients—driven by negative emotionality and low energy—had the worst outcomes. Under-controllers lacked compassion, respectfulness, and openness. Over-controllers—driven by high anxiety and general negative emotionality—experienced less life satisfaction and meaning. The facet level person-centered approach to personality is informative and explanatory beyond the trait-level of analysis.