Convergence of personality and interests: Meta-analysis of the multidimensional personality questionnaire and the strong interest inventory

Using meta-analysis, we revised Ackerman and Heggestad's (1997) identification of four trait complexes that propose personality and interest (P-I) linkages. Studies that had reported correlations between general and specific measures of vocational interests (Strong Interest Inventory [Strong; Hansen & Campbell, 1985; Harmon, Hansen, Borgen, & Hammer, 1994]) and personality (Multidimensional Personality Questionnaire [MPQ: Tellegen, 1982, 2000; Tellegen & Waller, in press]) were located. These meta-analysis was based on 2,023 people from five databases including gifted adolescents, college students, and adult career clients. The substantive P-I correlations ranged from vertical bar.20 vertical bar to vertical bar.49 vertical bar-reflecting between 4% and 24% shared variance. Within the Science/Math complex, we found Harmavoidance to be negatively linked with Realistic and Science interests and Achievement to be positively linked with Investigative, Math, and Science interests. Within the Intellectual/Cultural complex, Absorption was related to general and specific Artistic interests. Within die Social complex, Social and Enterprising interests were differentiated based on the former being related positively to Wellbeing and negatively to Aggression and the latter being related positively to Social Potency. Sex was not found to be a substantial moderator of P-I correlations.