Theoretical approaches of personality structure are diverse. We examine the primary
emotional aspects of personality as the correspondence of two mainstream constructs:
the lexically-based Big Five (BIG5) and the biologically-based Affective Neuroscience
Theory (ANT) within two approaches. In the variable-centered approach (VCA), our aim
is to identify affective super-traits; while in the person-centered approach (PCA)
to uncover latent profile patterns. 240 participants (177 women, 63 men) completed
the 112-item affective neuroscience personality scales (ANPS), and the 44-item Big
Five Inventory (BFI). We identified four super-traits: Negative emotions (FEAR, SADNESS,
Emotional instability), Positive emotions and stimulation (SEEK, Extraversion), Affiliation
and social bonds (reversed ANGER, CARE, Agreeableness), Self-regulation (PLAY, Conscientiousness.
Based on the VCA, we conclude that the four super-traits represent two main affective
tendencies (Positive emotions and approaching, Negative emotions and avoidance), interpersonal
(Affiliation) and intrapersonal (Self-regulation) dynamics of personality. As a result
of Latent Profile Analysis in the PCA, we explored three latent groups with different
patterns of primary emotional traits based on their responsiveness (Highly emotional,
Balanced, Low emotional). Our findings provide a holistic approach to emotional aspects
of personality, and might have further implications for clinical psychology, neuroscience,
and cross-cultural studies on emotions.
