Assessing Personality Using Self-Report Measures with Asians and Asian Americans

Abstract

The reliability and validity of commonly used personality self-report measures have been investigated among different Asian groups internationally, but there is a dearth of studies among Asian-Americans living in the USA. There is a long-standing debate about whether personality is universal or culturally dependent. Research suggests that personality may have both features. Although measures such as the NEO-PI-R and the MMPI have demonstrated cross-cultural robustness, indigenous and combined indigenous-universal measures have also shown good fit among different Asian populations. There are a number of factors that may affect the stability and interpretability of existing measures. Self-report bias may reduce the validity and reliability of self-report measures. The influence of culture on self-perception may also reduce predictive validity. This chapter will review important considerations when utilizing self-report personality measures for Asian/Asian-American populations.