Testing the differentiation of intelligence by neuroticism hypothesis

Abstract

The prediction that neuroticism (or emotional instability) will change the definition of an intelligence factor, or g, was tested in a large sample (N = 2,716) of British managers who completed both personality and intelligence measures. Specifically, we examine if the structure of mental abilities changes across levels of personality (with a focus on the neuroticism/adjustment dimension). The results demonstrate that, similar to a recent report, there is some evidence supporting the suggestion that intelligence scales inter-correlate higher for less adjusted individuals, but that the effect is not strong enough to impact intelligence and personality research.

Keywords

• Intelligence
• Personality
• Differentiation hypothesis
• Neuroticism
• Stability