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

• Published in: The journal of positive psychology Vol. 15; no. 4; pp. 556 - 568
• Main Authors: Barnes, Caroline, Mongrain, Myriam
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Routledge 03.07.2020
• Subjects: agency; anxiety; depression; equanimity; personality; Positive psychology interventions; subjective well-being
• ISSN: 1743-9760; 1743-9779
• DOI: 10.1080/17439760.2019.1651891

The goal of this study was to determine a comprehensive model of personality that could be used to predict outcome (depression and subjective well-being) following online positive psychology interventions. Participants performed randomly assigned exercises over one week, with follow-up assessments over 6-months. Exploratory factor analysis was completed with half of the sample (n = 2188) with measures of the Big Five, neediness, self-criticism, efficacy, self-esteem, gratitude, self-compassion, and attachment styles. The resulting model was validated using confirmatory factor analysis (n = 2186). The best fitting model comprised three factors: Equanimity, Anxiety, and Agency, which were analyzed with latent growth curve models. Equanimity was associated with well-being at baseline, and no change in outcome following the exercises. Anxiety and Agency moderated the efficacy of the interventions, at post-test and over time. The results support the utility of a three-factor model of personality in the study of individual differences in positive psychology.