Abstract
The relationship between social desirability responding (SDR) and the Big Five factors of personality was both summarized with a review of past and current studies and directly investigated using a series of confirmatory factor analyses. A sixth factor, which shared variance across the Big Five manifest variables was found, and hypothesized to be SDR. The results of subsequent analyses indicated that this common factor was not strongly related to either component of SDR (i.e., self-deceptive denial/enhancement and impression management). Finally, the differential relationship between SDR and each of the Big Five factors was estimated. It was found that both subscales of SDR were positively correlated with conscientiousness and negatively related to emotional stability. The relationships across the remaining three personality factors varied by subscale. The implications of the results for future personality research are discussed.
Carlisle, Todd Dana (2000). The relationship of social desirability responding and the Big Five: an investigation using confirmatory factor analysis. Master's thesis, Texas A&M University. Available electronically from
https : / /hdl .handle .net /1969 .1 /ETD -TAMU -2000 -THESIS -C3684.