The five factors of personality and interpersonal competence: a test of the contextual model

Abstract

This study utilized the contextual model to examine the relationship between distal (five factor personality traits), proximal (interpersonal competence behaviors), and relationship quality (satisfaction, liking) factors in romantic relationships. The respondents (n = 177 females) completed a questionnaire packet to assess each of the factors. The results indicated that none of the distal or proximal factors were related to satisfaction. Further analyses indicated that agreeableness and neuroticism (personality traits) contributed to conflict resolution (interpersonal competence). Additionally, three interpersonal competence behaviors were significantly associated with liking for the romantic partner. Conscientiousness (personality trait) was a significant predictor of liking, even after controlling for other distal and proximal factors. Overall, these findings indicated that both distal factors (as represented by personality traits) and proximal factors (as represented by interpersonal competence) affect relationship quality. This study also highlighted the utility of the contextual model in studying romantic relationships.