Positive Orientation and the Five-Factor Model

The aim of the present study was to investigate the relationship between positive orientation (PO) defined as a basic predisposition to perceive and evaluate positive aspects of life, the future and oneself and the Five-Factor Model of personality (FFM). Hypotheses postulated positive correlations between PO and extraversion, conscientiousness, agreeableness and openness; a negative correlation was predicted between PO and neuroticism. Two hundred Polish students completed the following measures: SES (Self-Esteem Scale, Rosenberg), SWLS (The Satisfaction with Life Scale; Diener, Emmons, Larson & Griffin), LOT-R (The Life Orientation Test - Revised; Scheier, Carver & Bridges) and NEOFFI (NEO Five Factor Inventory, Costa & McCrae). The results confirmed correlations between PO and extraversion, conscientiousness, and neuroticism; correlations with openness and agreeableness were not supported. According to canonical correlations, PO shows a clear affinity to the FFM.