Eysenck Personality Questionnaire (EPQ)

Experiment No: Date: 21 February 2025

Initial of the experimenter: NS Initial of the subject: EES

Introduction
McClelland (1951) as cited in (Cohen & Swerdlik, 1999) described personality as "the
most adequate conceptualization of a person’s behavior in all its detail". Psychologists define
personality as a person’s unique long-term pattern of thinking, emotions, and behavior
(Burger, 2008; Mischel, 2004, as cited in Coon & Mitterer, 2008). In other words, personality
encompasses the consistency in who you are, have been, and will become. It also refers to the
distinctive blend of talents, values, hopes, loves, hates, and habits that makes each individual
unique. Many people confuse personality with character, which implies an evaluation rather
than a description (Skipton, 1997, as cited in Coon & Mitterer, 2008). When someone is said
to have "personality," it often means they are friendly, outgoing, and attractive, which is
considered good character in certain cultures. Personality is also distinct from temperament,
which is the "raw material" from which personalities are formed. Temperament refers to
hereditary aspects of personality, such as sensitivity, irritability, distractibility, and typical
mood (Rothbart, 2007, as cited in Coon & Mitterer, 2008).

Personality assessment refers to the measurement and evaluation of various

psychological traits, including states, values, interests, attitudes, worldview, acculturation,
sense of humor, and cognitive and behavioral styles, among other individual characteristics
(Cohen & Swerdlik, 1992, as cited in Cohen & Swerdlik, 1992). This chapter provides an
overview of personality assessment, including different methods used to develop personality
tests (Cohen & Swerdlik, 1992, as cited in Cohen & Swerdlik, 1992).

According to Allport, a trait is a "generalized and focalized neuropsychic system

(peculiar to the individual) with the capacity to render many stimuli functionally equivalent,
and to initiate and guide consistent (equivalent) forms of adaptive and expressive behaviour"
(Cohen & Swerdlik, 1992).

Type theories, a foundational approach, propose that people can be classified into
distinct categories or types based on shared characteristics. These theories often rely on
dichotomies or discrete groupings, such as introversion versus extraversion, to define these
types. Individuals are then assigned to a specific type, assuming that members of that type
share a common set of personality traits. Another well-known personality classification,
consisting of only two categories, was introduced by cardiologists Meyer Friedman and Ray
Rosenman (1974; Rosenman et al., 1975, as cited in Cohen & Swerdlik, 1992). They
identified the Type A personality, characterized by competitiveness, urgency, restlessness,
impatience, and a strong drive for achievement and dominance. In contrast, the Type B
personality exhibits the opposite traits, displaying a more relaxed and easygoing nature
(Cohen & Swerdlik, 1992). To classify individuals as Type A or Type B, researchers have
used the Jenkins Activity Survey (JAS), a 52-item self-report inventory developed by
(Jenkins et al., 1979 as cited in, Cohen & Swerdlik, 1992).

Theoretical Framework
Hans Eysenck's Theory of Personality
Eysenck's theory of personality, a biologically grounded model, posits that individual
differences in personality are primarily driven by physiological variations. Specifically,
Eysenck proposed three overarching personality dimensions: Extraversion-Introversion (E),
Neuroticism-Stability (N), and Psychoticism (P). The foundation of Eysenck's theory lies in
the notion that these dimensions are rooted in the central nervous system, particularly in
cortical arousal and limbic system reactivity. For instance, the dimension of Extraversion-
Introversion is hypothesized to be associated with differences in cortical arousal levels.
Introverts, according to Eysenck, possess higher baseline levels of cortical arousal, leading
them to seek environments with lower stimulation to maintain optimal arousal. This concept
is supported by research exploring the relationship between personality traits and
physiological measures, even if findings are not always consistently supportive (Matthews,
1992).

Neuroticism, the second dimension, is linked to the reactivity of the limbic system,
which governs emotional responses. Individuals scoring high on neuroticism tend to exhibit
heightened emotional reactivity and are more susceptible to experiencing negative emotions.
This connection between neuroticism and limbic system sensitivity has implications for
understanding various health outcomes, as demonstrated by studies exploring the interplay
between neuroticism and physical and mental well-being. Later, Eysenck introduced
Psychoticism, characterized by traits such as impulsivity, aggression, and a lack of empathy.
This dimension is believed to be influenced by hormonal factors and neurotransmitter
systems, further emphasizing the biological underpinnings of Eysenck's model (Revelle,
2015).
 Eysenck's theory has been instrumental in the development of personality assessment
tools, most notably the Eysenck Personality Questionnaire (EPQ), designed to measure the
three primary dimensions. While his theory has been highly influential, it has also faced
critiques. Some researchers argue that Eysenck's model oversimplifies the complexity of
human personality and that a more nuanced understanding requires considering
environmental and social factors. For example, the Social Cognitive Career Theory highlights
the importance of environmental factors and learning experiences in shaping personality and
career choices, suggesting that a purely biological approach may be insufficient. Furthermore,
research examining the relationship between personality traits and academic performance
indicates that various factors, including environmental influences, can impact outcomes,
suggesting that a comprehensive understanding of personality necessitates integrating
multiple perspectives.

Development of Eysenck Personality Questionnaire (EPQ)

The Eysenck Personality Questionnaire (EPQ) was developed by psychologists Hans
Jürgen Eysenck and Sybil B. G. Eysenck to assess personality traits based on Eysenck's
dimensional model, which emphasizes the biological underpinnings of personality. This
model identifies three primary dimensions: Extraversion (E), Neuroticism (N), and
Psychoticism (P). The EPQ was designed to provide a standardized measure of these
dimensions, facilitating both clinical assessments and empirical research. The development of
the EPQ was grounded in Eysenck's earlier work, where he proposed that personality traits
could be understood through biologically based dimensions. Initially, Eysenck focused on
two dimensions: Extraversion and Neuroticism. Extraversion pertains to sociability and the
tendency to seek external stimulation, while Neuroticism relates to emotional instability and
susceptibility to psychological distress. Subsequent research led to the addition of a third
dimension, Psychoticism, which encompasses traits such as aggressiveness and a propensity
for unconventional thinking. To empirically assess these dimensions, the EPQ was developed
as a self-report instrument consisting of a series of yes/no questions. Each question is
designed to evaluate specific behaviors and preferences associated with the three personality
dimensions.

Description of Eysenck Personality Questionnaire (EPQ)

The Eysenck Personality Questionnaire-Revised (EPQ-R) is a 100-item assessment
tool designed to evaluate three fundamental dimensions of personality: neuroticism,
extraversion, and psychoticism, alongside a lie scale to identify response biases. This
questionnaire employs a dichotomous "yes" or "no" response format for each item.
Specifically, the neuroticism (N) scale measures an individual's predisposition to experience
negative affect. Individuals who score high on this scale often exhibit traits such as
moodiness, worry, guilt, loneliness, and sadness. Sample items include questions such as "are
you a worrier?" or "do you often feel lonely?" Conversely, the extraversion (E) scale assesses
the degree to which individuals are sociable, active, and impulsive. Those with high scores on
the E scale tend to be talkative, lively, and outgoing, actively seeking social interaction and
excitement. Furthermore, the psychoticism (P) scale evaluates behavior patterns that, in their
extreme form, were thought to characterize psychotic individuals or to serve as a
vulnerability factor for psychoses. Individuals with high P scores may display a lack of
empathy, a willingness to harm others, and hostile or inconsiderate behaviour. Finally, the lie
scale (L) is included to examine response bias, social desirability, and the tendency for
individuals to "fake good," ensuring the validity of the overall assessment (Mor, 2010).

Applications of Scale
The Eysenck Personality Questionnaire (EPQ) serves a variety of purposes across
different fields. In psychological research, it's a valuable tool for investigating how
personality traits, specifically Extraversion/Introversion, Neuroticism, and Psychoticism (or
Tough-mindedness), influence cognition, emotion, and behavior. Researchers utilize it to
explore the connections between personality and various aspects of mental health, coping
mechanisms, and interpersonal dynamics. Clinically, clinicians employ the EPQ to gain
insight into an individual's personality profile, which aids in understanding potential impacts
on mental well-being and facilitates the development of targeted treatment strategies. For
personal development, individuals can leverage the EPQ to enhance self-awareness,
recognizing how their personality traits shape their actions and relationships. In
organizational settings, the EPQ assists in recruitment, selection, and team-building by
providing insights into the personality traits of employees and applicants. Furthermore, in
career counseling, the EPQ helps individuals understand how their personality may affect
their career choices. Notably, the EPQ also includes a measure of dissimulation tendencies, or
lying, providing an additional layer of information about the test-taker's responses.

Limitations of the Scale

Despite its widespread use, the Eysenck Personality Questionnaire (EPQ) faces
several criticisms. One prominent concern revolves around the "Psychoticism" scale, which is
often considered poorly defined and difficult to interpret, potentially leading to inaccurate
assessments of related personality traits. Furthermore, critics argue that the EPQ's reliance on
only three dimensions—Extraversion, Neuroticism, and Psychoticism—oversimplifies the
complexity of human personality, potentially overlooking significant aspects of personality
structure. Like many self-report questionnaires, the EPQ is also vulnerable to social
desirability bias, wherein individuals may provide socially acceptable responses that distort
their true personality profile. Additionally, research indicates potential cultural biases,
suggesting that the EPQ may not be universally applicable across diverse populations,
potentially resulting in misinterpretations. Finally, while valuable in research, the EPQ's
clinical applicability may be limited in situations requiring a more detailed and
comprehensive personality assessment.

Psychometric Properties
Studies examining the EPQ-R Short Scale have demonstrated satisfactory
psychometric properties. Specifically, the Extraversion (E) and Neuroticism (N) scales have
shown adequate internal consistency reliability, with reliability coefficients ranging from 0.78
to 0.87 for Extraversion and from 0.74 to 0.87 for Neuroticism. Furthermore, the concurrent
validity of the EPQ-R Short Scale has been supported across various studies, with validity
coefficients ranging from 0.59 to 0.95 for Extraversion, 0.62 to 0.95 for Neuroticism, and
0.60 to 0.93 for the Lie (L) scale. These findings suggest that the EPQ-R Short Scale provides
reliable and valid measures of these personality dimensions (Alexopoulos & Kalaitzidis,
2004).
Performa of the client

VSMS measures social

maturity or social
competence in
individuals from birth to
adulthood. It consists of
89 items which can be
interviewed with the
primary caregiver or the
subject themselves if
they are capable of
doing so. From the age
of 0 to 15 yrs. Measuring
8
different aspects of
social maturity.
Self-help General (SHG)
- This assesses whether
a child can perform
general activities on
their own, like head
holding, telling what
time it is, etc
VSMS measures social
maturity or social
competence in
individuals from birth to
adulthood. It consists of
89 items which can be
interviewed with the
primary caregiver or the
subject themselves if
they are capable of
doing so. From the age
of 0 to 15 yrs. Measuring
8
different aspects of
social maturity.
Self-help General (SHG)
- This assesses whether
a child can perform
general activities on
their own, like head
holding, telling what
time it is, et Performa of the client
Name: EES

Age:21 years

Gender: Female

Education: Master’s student

Occupation: Student

Test Administration: EPQ

Date of administration:

Methodology
Aim
To assess an individual's personality traits and response biases using the Eysenck
Personality Questionnaire (EPQ).

Materials Required
Eysenck Personality Questionnaire - Revised (EPQ-R) booklet (short form or long
form), Pen or pencil, Answer sheet (optional, if not using the booklet scoring sheet

Procedure
The participant was invited to take part in the assessment for academic purposes. The
subject was made to sit, and a common conversation was had to make them feel comfortable.
She agreed to participate on a specific date when she was available; the test was administered
offline. The instructions were detailed, and all questions were addressed.

Instructions
In this assessment, you will be asked to indicate your preferences for various
occupations. These occupations are presented in pairs, and you need to check the box to show
your preferences. This is not an evaluation of intelligence or specific skills. Simply mark your
responses in each box, taking into account both occupations without considering their income
or status. There is no time limit, but should answer all the items quickly

Precaution
Precautions must be taken to keep the participants' answers confidential. It's important
not to disclose the purpose of the questionnaire, as it might influence the participants'
responses. Participants should be informed of the results after analysis. Since the respondent
is an adult (18 years or older), parental consent is not required.

Scoring
Scoring the Eysenck Personality Questionnaire (EPQ) involves a systematic process
to quantify an individual's standing on the core personality dimensions and to assess for
response biases. For each of the key scales—Extraversion (E), Neuroticism (N), and
Psychoticism (P)—responses aligning with the respective traits are tallied. High scores on the
Extraversion scale indicate sociability and outgoingness, while low scores suggest
introversion and reservedness. Similarly, high Neuroticism scores reflect emotional
instability, and high Psychoticism scores point towards traits like impulsivity and aggression.
The Lie (L) scale, designed to detect social desirability, is scored by counting responses that
portray an overly favorable self-image. A high Lie score suggests potential distortion in the
other scales. Typically, EPQ responses are binary (yes/no), and scoring keys assign points to
specific answers. Raw scores are calculated by summing these points for each scale, and
these raw scores are then compared to normative data to provide context. It's crucial to
acknowledge that scoring procedures may vary slightly between EPQ versions, and a
qualified professional should administer and interpret the results, paying particular attention
to the Lie scale's influence on the overall profile.

Behavioural Observation
During the administration of the test, I observed that she appeared slightly anxious at
the beginning but gradually became more comfortable as she proceeded. She took her time to
read each question carefully, indicating her desire to provide accurate responses. At times,
she seemed to be deep in thought, possibly reflecting on her experiences and preferences
before answering.
 Table 1

The subject’s scores on the Eysenck Personality Questionnaire (EPQ)

Personality domain Raw Score Sten Score Centile Score Interpretation

Psychoticism 4 6 59 Average
Extraversion 16 6 59 Average
Neuroticism 19 9 96 High
Lie Score 6 5 40 Average
Results
The results of the Eysenck Personality Questionnaire (EPQ) reveal a distinct
personality profile. Notably, the individual demonstrates average levels of both Psychoticism
and Extraversion, indicating typical levels of tough-mindedness, impulsivity, and sociability.
This suggests a balanced personality in these areas, neither exceptionally high nor low.
However, the standout finding is the significantly elevated Neuroticism score, placing the
individual in the high percentile range. This strongly suggests a predisposition towards
emotional instability, characterized by anxiety, worry, and emotional volatility. Conversely,
the Lie scale score falls within the average range, indicating that the individual's responses
are likely genuine and not unduly influenced by social desirability. Consequently, the
observed personality traits, particularly the heightened Neuroticism, are likely to be accurate
representations of the individual's psychological makeup.

Test Interpretation
The individual's scores on the Eysenck Personality Questionnaire (EPQ) reveal a
nuanced personality profile. The Psychoticism score of 4, corresponding to a sten score of 6
and a centile of 59, indicates an average level of tough-mindedness and impulsivity. This
suggests the individual exhibits typical levels of these traits, neither markedly high nor low.

The Extraversion score of 16, also resulting in a sten score of 6 and a centile of 59,
similarly places the individual within the average range. This suggests a moderate level of
sociability. The individual is likely neither strongly extraverted nor markedly introverted,
exhibiting a balance between seeking social interaction and enjoying solitude.

A significant finding is the Neuroticism score of 19, which translates to a high sten
score of 9 and a centile of 96. This indicates a strong tendency towards emotional instability,
anxiety, and worry. The individual is likely to experience frequent emotional fluctuations and
may be prone to stress and negative emotions. This high score warrants further exploration to
understand the specific triggers and coping mechanisms associated with this emotional
tendency.

The Lie Score of 6, with a sten score of 5 and a centile of 40, is within the average
range. This suggests that the individual's responses are likely genuine and not significantly
influenced by social desirability bias. Therefore, the other scale scores can be considered
relatively accurate reflections of the individual's personality traits.
Table 2

Introspective Report

Introspective report of the client

During the assessment, I initially felt a bit anxious, but as I progressed, I became more

comfortable and engaged with the process. I took my time to carefully consider each

question, reflecting on my experiences and preferences before making a selection. This

thoughtful approach ensured that my responses were accurate and meaningful. The

assessment turned out to be a valuable and insightful exercise. It not only provided me with

a deeper understanding of my interests and strengths but also boosted my confidence and

sense of empowerment.
 In summary, the individual presents with an average level of Psychoticism and
Extraversion, but a significantly elevated level of Neuroticism. This indicates a potential
vulnerability to emotional distress, which should be considered in any further psychological
assessment or intervention. The Lie scale suggests that the results are likely valid.

Discussion
A sten score of 6 places the respondent in the average range for psychoticism. The
psychoticism scale is designed to measure traits such as aggressiveness, impersonality, and a
tendency toward tough-mindedness. However, the construct validity of the psychoticism
scale has been a subject of debate. Studies have indicated that high P scores are associated
with traits like impulsiveness, lack of cooperation, rigidity, low social sensitivity, and low
persistence. Notably, psychoticism has been identified as the least univocal of Eysenck's
three main superfactors, suggesting that it may encompass a complex array of primary traits
rather than representing a single dimension.

The respondent's sten score of 6 indicates an average level of extraversion.

Extraversion is characterized by sociability, assertiveness, and a propensity for seeking
stimulation. Individuals with average extraversion scores typically exhibit a balanced
approach to social interactions, neither overly introverted nor excessively outgoing. They are
comfortable in social settings but also value solitary time. This balance allows for
adaptability across various social and professional contexts (Goh et al., 1982). An individual
with an average extraversion score may enjoy social interactions but also appreciate solitude
and reflection. Their behavior is likely driven by a mix of internal and external goals, as
manifestations of extraversion are closely tied to intentional constructs. They may seek social
engagement to connect with others while also valuing personal space and independent
pursuits. It is the interplay between these traits that defines their unique expression of
extraversion (McCabe & Fleeson, 2012).

A sten score of 9 signifies a high level of neuroticism. Neuroticism reflects emotional

instability and a tendency toward negative emotional states such as anxiety, depression, and
moodiness. Individuals with high neuroticism scores are more susceptible to stress and may
experience heightened emotional reactions to adverse events. This heightened sensitivity can
impact mental health and overall well-being, making it essential to develop coping strategies
to manage stress effectively. The respondent's sten score of 5 on the lie scale falls within the
average range. The lie scale assesses the tendency to present oneself in a socially desirable
manner, potentially indicating a lack of honesty in responses. An average score suggests that
the respondent has provided responses that are neither excessively self-enhancing nor overly
self-critical, implying a reasonable level of candor in their answers (Howarth, 1986).
Individuals with high neuroticism scores are more reactive to stress, interpreting ordinary
situations as threatening and experiencing minor frustrations as overwhelming. This
heightened emotional sensitivity can manifest in various ways, influencing both mental and
physical well-being. It is crucial to understand that high neuroticism doesn't necessarily
indicate psychopathology but rather a predisposition to experience emotional distress. Such
individuals may be more vulnerable to anxiety disorders, mood disorders, and stress-related
physical ailments. It is also important to consider the interplay between neuroticism and other
personality traits. For example, individuals high in neuroticism and conscientiousness may
exhibit a tendency towards perfectionism and heightened vigilance regarding their health.
This combination could lead to proactive health behaviours but also excessive worry about
potential health problems. It is also essential to consider the possible impact of high
neuroticism on the individual's interpersonal relationships and occupational performance
(Widiger & Oltmanns, 2017).
Recommendations
High neuroticism, characterized by emotional instability and a heightened response to
stress, presents significant challenges to both mental and physical well-being. Research
consistently links it to adverse health outcomes, including increased mortality from
cardiovascular diseases and certain cancers. To mitigate these risks, a multifaceted approach
is essential. Stress reduction techniques, such as mindfulness meditation, yoga, and deep-
breathing exercises, can effectively regulate emotional responses and reduce anxiety levels.
Regular physical activity has also proven beneficial, improving mood and alleviating
symptoms of anxiety and depression, which often accompany high neuroticism. Furthermore,
therapeutic interventions, particularly cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), can empower
individuals to reframe negative thought patterns and develop healthier coping mechanisms.
Maintaining active social connections is crucial, serving as a protective factor against
cognitive decline and mitigating the increased risk of dementia associated with high
neuroticism.

Alongside managing high neuroticism, leveraging average extraversion and

psychoticism levels can enhance overall well-being. The respondent's balanced scores in
these traits suggest a harmonious approach to social interactions and a typical level of
agreeableness. To capitalize on these strengths, participation in group activities or community
events can expand social networks, providing emotional support and opportunities for
meaningful engagement. Professionally, roles that require teamwork and collaboration may
be particularly well-suited, offering a balance of social interaction and personal space. This
balanced approach can foster both personal and professional fulfillment.

Given the established link between high neuroticism and health risks, vigilant
monitoring of health indicators is paramount. Regular health screenings can facilitate the
early detection and management of potential health issues, particularly those related to
cardiovascular health. Adopting a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet, adequate sleep,
and avoidance of harmful behaviors like smoking, can further mitigate these risks. By
implementing these strategies, the individual can effectively manage the challenges
associated with high neuroticism, capitalize on their balanced personality traits, and lead a
more fulfilling and healthier life.
Conclusion
The respondent's personality assessment reveals average levels of psychoticism and
extraversion, a high level of neuroticism, and an average lie score. While their balanced
scores in psychoticism and extraversion indicate adaptability in social settings and emotional
regulation, the elevated neuroticism score suggests increased emotional instability, stress
sensitivity, and susceptibility to mental and physical health concerns. The respondent exhibits
a stable personality profile in most domains, their heightened neuroticism necessitates
focused interventions to manage stress and emotional fluctuations. With appropriate
psychological and lifestyle strategies, they can enhance their well-being and lead a more
fulfilling life.
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