Psychometric properties of the big five inventory in a Mexican sample

Introduction One of the most researched theories of personality is the Five Factor Model, frequently evaluated through the Big Five Inventory. Even though there is a Spanish version, its psychometrical properties in Mexican population Ore yet unknown. Methods We evaluated 472 adults (217 male/255 female) from an open population from Mexico City. Results We obtained a total scale reliability sake of alpha=0.72. Principal Component Analysis using Velicer's Minimun Average Partial validated a 5 factor structure. We also found differences between subjects that had been diagnosed with a psychiatric or neurological disorder by a health professional in agreeableness, responsability and neuroticism. Conclusions Our results suggest that the Big Five Inventory is useful to evaluate the personality in Mexican population. However, a review of the Agreeableness scale may be needed because its low reliability and poor item loadings.