PEN, Big Five and Problem Behaviour in the Adolescence

Abstract

Personality implication in problem behaviour during adolescence was investigated in this study. The sample was made up of 264 adolescents, 145 males and 119 females, between, the ages 16 and18. The person-centred approach allowed us to ascertain four types of adolescents using a cluster analysis based on six scores of problem behaviour. The problems were highest in the most disruptive type, at the same time the most resilient type did not show any problem behaviour whatsoever. The four types show different personality profiles. The variable-centred approach showed, using a regression analysis, that Neuroticism and Extraversion (Eysenck’s model) and Neuroticism, Agreeableness and Conscientiousness (Five Factor Model) were the main predictors of problem behaviour. The results suggest that personal characteristics are shown as effective factors in order to understand and to prevent the appearance of antisocial behaviours in schools.