A new systematic review has raised concerns over how accurately personality tests measure traits in children and teenagers, highlighting significant gaps in reliability across widely used self-report questionnaires.
The review, published in the Scandinavian Journal of Psychology, examined 24 research papers focused on 10 questionnaires designed to assess the Big Five personality traits – extraversion, agreeableness, conscientiousness, neuroticism, and openness – in individuals aged 7 to 18. Researchers found that although these tools are tailored for younger age groups, several still fall short in delivering consistent and structurally sound results.
Unlike in adults, where personality measurement has long been standardised, the task of adapting or creating suitable tools for young people proves more complex. Children’s cognitive development, language skills, and limited life experiences present unique challenges in designing questions that are both comprehensible and meaningful. Many questionnaires reviewed in the study attempt to bridge these differences, using age-appropriate wording and even pictorial items in some cases. But the study revealed inconsistencies in how effectively these instruments reflect the Big Five framework.
One key issue relates to structural validity: the degree to which the questionnaire’s structure matches the traits it claims to measure. In several cases, tests failed to confirm a robust five-factor structure. For instance, the openness trait was particularly problematic. Researchers noted it was difficult to capture this dimension in children due to its abstract nature and the broad behavioural range it encompasses. This was often reflected in lower reliability scores compared to other traits.
Another problem lies in internal consistency. Some questionnaires showed weak correlations among items within the same trait, suggesting that children and adolescents might struggle with interpreting certain questions consistently. This raises doubts about the practical utility of these tools, particularly in clinical or educational contexts where accurate personality profiling could inform interventions or support strategies.
Despite these concerns, self-report remains the most common method for assessing young people’s personality. The study explains this popularity by pointing to logistical advantages: self-reports are easier to administer in schools and youth settings and do not require third-party input from parents or teachers. They are also cost-effective, making them attractive for large-scale research. But the authors urge caution when relying solely on these methods without complementary assessments or adjustments for age-related differences in comprehension and self-awareness.
The review also touches on broader developmental questions. While the Big Five model has proven validity in adults, its application in younger populations remains contentious. Some researchers suggest that traits in childhood might better fit alternative frameworks, such as the “Little Six”, which adds an activity dimension. Others argue that while children can exhibit the Big Five traits, these manifest differently and may require distinct measurement strategies.
