Cognitive Correlates of Personality Links Between Executive Functioning and the Big Five Personality Traits

Research examining associations between executive functioning (EF) and personality traits has demonstrated promising results; however, examination of associations between Big Five personality traits and EF using an established EF framework has yet to be demonstrated. The present study examines associations between three aspects of EF (i.e., Cognitive Flexibility, Inhibition, and Updating/Monitoring), based upon a well-established EF framework, and Big Five personality traits. Participants (N = 182) completed neuropsychological measures of Cognitive Flexibility, Inhibition, and Updating/Monitoring as well as a self-report measure of personality. Better Updating/Monitoring was associated with lower Neuroticism and higher Openness. Openness was also positively associated with Cognitive Flexibility. These findings suggest that there may be a common underlying cognitive characteristic (i.e., Updating/Monitoring) linked with Neuroticism and Openness. Additional implications of these findings are discussed.