Confirmatory factor analysis of personality structure in adult male rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta)

Abstract

Reports from different laboratories have suggested that nonhuman primates have somewhat similar dimensions of personality. To date, however, no attempts have been made to statistically replicate a specific factor structure. In the present report, two independent observers recorded the behavior of 58 adult male rhesus monkeys, and then rated the animals with the use of a 50-item personality instrument. A confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) of the ratings resulted in the replication of a previously described four-factor personality structure [Maninger et al., American Journal of Primatology 61:73-83, 2003]. The first two dimensions - Sociability and Confidence - showed strong loadings and are similar to Affiliation and Agency dimensions in humans. The remaining dimensions - Equability and Irritability - were less clear, and it is possible that additional traits will have to be identified before a more robust structure can be established for these dimensions. © 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc.