EYSENCK’S PERSONALITY QUESTIONNAIRE – REVISED (EPQ-R)

Introduction

Hans Jürgen Eysenck was born in Berlin, Germany to Silesian born actress Helga Molander and

Eduard Anton Eysenck. He was brought up by his maternal grandmother, who after her death, he

found out was Jewish. Due to his German citizenship, he found it hard to get a job. He received

his PhD from University College, London in 1940. He served as a Professor of Psychology in the

Institute of Psychiatry, King’s College, London from 1955 to 1983. He is famously known for

his contributions to the understanding of personality and intelligence. He developed the multi-

dimensional model of personality that was based on factor analysis. He was the founding editor

of a journal named Personality and Individual Differences. He has also authored about 80 books

and over 1500 journal articles. His son Michael Eysenck is also a noted psychology professor.

Hans Eysenck died in 1997 in London due to a brain tumor.

Eysenck’s most notable contribution in the field of Psychology is in the area of

Personality. Eysenck believed that personality was a hierarchy of traits and the combination and

interaction of various traits gave an individual a personality that was unique to him or her. His

theory on personality states that personality can be broken down into distinct categories and he

called these categories as Super Traits.

Eysenck developed a theory called PEN Theory or PEN Model where he described the

three universal traits – Psychoticism, Extraversion-Introversion and Neuroticism.

Psychoticism: The individuals who fall into this category are seen to be risk-takers, reckless,

have no regard for conventions. They are seen to be non-conformists and express their emotions
inappropriately. They may also have difficulty in dealing with reality. They could be anti-social,

hostile, manipulative and non-empathetic.

Extraversion-Introversion: Individuals who fall into this category are generally called extroverts

or introverts. Those belonging to the former classification focus their attention outwards –

towards their environment and other people; whereas those belonging to the latter classification

focus their attention inwards – towards themselves.

Extroverts are sociable, outgoing and generally express their emotions openly

biologically, they have lower base arousal and hence seek for stimulation from outside

themselves. Introverts on the other hand are more shy, quiet and reserved. Biologically they have

higher base arousal and hence require little external stimulation.

Neuroticism- Emotional Stability: This dimension is related to how moody or even tempered the

individual is. Neuroticism here refers to the individual’s ability to become moody or emotional

whereas Emotional Stability refers to the tendency to remain calm or emotionally constraint.

Neurotic individual has a tendency to become upset quickly and also a possibility of being

sensitive to punishment. These individuals are more likely to use drugs to avoid a negative state

of mind. These individuals may experience more tension and stress and are at a higher risk of

developing neurotic disorders in the future.

The PEN model is more distinct that other theories such as the Five Factor Model

and offers causal explanation, as well as simply describing personality traits. It offers clear and

concise levels, which are easy to understand and do not overlap each other like other models do.

It discriminates intellectual processes from emotional ones. The PEN model also offers a strong

experimental approach to the study of personality, which means it is a testable theory and as a
result of this has served as a good role model for many other personality theories. However, the

theory has certain drawbacks. Although extremely popular, the PEN model has been criticized

due to its failure to produce evidence that introverts and extroverts are conditioned differently.

Some suggest that personality traits are not a good predictor of future behaviors. Others criticize

that yes and no questions are not through enough to understand the different aspects of

personality.

Eysenck’s Personality Inventory (EPI) was first formulated in the year 1964, was the

primitive form of what is known as Eysenck’s Personality Questionnaire (EPQ) or EPQ-R

(revised) today. EPI consisted 57 items that required yes/no responses. The dimensions of

Extraversion/Introversion and Neuroticism/Stability each had 24 items with 9 items determining

the lie score. Lie scale is constructed from items listing issues and behaviors which are either

socially desirable but infrequently practiced or frequently practiced but socially undesirable

The Inventory did not include Eysenck’s final conception of Psychoticism to be measured as

determinant of Personality. Scores were obtained along the axes of Extraversion/Introversion and

Neuroticism/Stability domains. The reliability co-efficient of EPI ranged from 0.80 to 0.97. The

manual mentioned, if the lie score is above 6 then scores cannot be considered to be valid.

Further in 1975, Eysenck Personality Questionnaire (EPQ) was published as result of

theoretical and psychometric criticism of the previous form. EPQ consisted of 90 items with four

components of Extaversion (E), Neuroticism (N), Psychoticism (P) and Social Desirability.

While forming EPQ, only 25 items from EPI were retained. However, a high correlation (r=0.74)

was found between EPI and EPQ scores (Rocklin & Revelle, 1981). The scale of Psychoticism

was inferior in theoretical and psychometric properties compared to E and N scale (Arcialuia,
Garcia, Garcia, 2003). Component of Impulsivity was also included as a subscale under

Psychoticism (Eysenck & Eysenck, 1975)

In the year 1985, a revised form of EPQ was published named the EPQ-R consisting of

100 items. This revision increased the reliability coefficient from 0.72 to 0.76. Another form of

the EPQ-R which is available, consists of 48 items including all the 4 subscales (Psychoticism,

Neuroticism, Extraversion and Social Desirability), each of which consists of 12 items. However,

the introduction of Psychoticism since 1976 was being criticized on the ground of its length and

inapplicability in the clinical settings. Thus, EPQR-S was devised. The reliability coefficient for

each subscale of Neuroticism, Extraversion, Psychoticism and Social Desirability are 0.82, 0.86,

0.62, and 0.75 respectively in EPQR-S (Short form). EPQ-BV (Brief Version) has also been

devised with only 24 items which has high reliability. (Sato, 2005). EPQR-A is a form only used

for adults. Besides, it’s several forms, it has been translated in several languages and reliability

for each of the translated forms has been very high. A standardization of vernacular translation of

EPQ was done by Abraham, Rao and Verghese in India (1997).

The instrument yields scores which are classified as “high” or “low” in the dimensions of

Extraversion/Introversion, Neuroticism/Stability and Psychoticism. A high score in Extraversion

indicates an outgoing, impulsive, uninhibited nature. They are chronically less stimulated and are

in need of external excitation. Whereas a low score indicates Introversion or a calm, reserved,

and controlled. In case of Neuroticism, a high score represents strong emotional liability and

over activity. Persons with high scores tend to be emotionally over responsive, and encounter

difficulties in calming down. Such persons complain of vague somatic upsets, and report many

worries, anxieties, and irritating emotional feelings. They are vulnerable to develop anxiety

disorders. High N score tended to be associated with people who are jumpy, anxious, can’t cope
easily with stress. On the other hand, high Stability score specify emotionally calm non-anxious

nature of individuals. High score in Psychoticism refer to risky, hostile and anti-social behaviour.

They also have high vulnerability toward development of psychosis and schizophrenia. Eysenck

suggests genetic vulnerability towards development of this trait. This subscale need further

theoretical and psychometric research as has been criticised regarding it being a valid measure of

personality.

EPQ-R is a self-report personality measure which requires spontaneous responses in

forms of “yes” or “no” answers. While scoring, the number of E and N answers are noted and

located on the graph sheet. The E and N scores as plotted on the graph sheet are then interpreted

to read the personality characteristics. EPQ and EPQ-R finds its valid application in the

industrial and clinical settings. The EPQ-R is an excellent choice when administering a test

battery and when a brief instrument representing the personality domain is needed. This measure

has proven useful for numerous applications in human resources, career counseling, clinical

settings and research. There is an updated and improved psychoticism/tough-mindedness scale.

A number of scales and measures have been developed to assess personality, using

Eysenck’s Theory of Personality. Some of them are – Maudsley Medical Questionnaire

(Eysenck, 1952), Maudsley Personality Inventory (MPI) (Eysenck, 1959), Eysenck Personality

Inventory (EPI) (Eysenck & Eysenck, 1964), Eysenck Personality Questionnaire (EPQ)

(Eysenck, 1976), Revised Eysenck Personality Questionnaire (EPQ-R) (Eysenck, Eysenck &

Barrett, 1985), Eysenck Personality Questionnaire Revised – Short Form (EPQRS) (Eysenck,

Eysenck & Barrett, 1985)

Name: Vikramadithya.S (V.S)

Age: 22 years old

Gender: Male

Educational Qualifications: B.A

Languages known: English, Kannada, Hindi, Tamil, German

Background: Urban

Occupation: Student

Family Type: Nuclear

Presenting complaints: Stress

Referred for: N/A

Referred by: Self

Test administered: EPQ-R was administered on the client.

Page No. Psychoticism (P) Neuroticism (N) Extraversion (E) Lie Score (L)
1. 1 6 5 0
2. 3 6 7 3
3. 2 4 5 2
4. 1 2 2 2
TOTAL 7 18 19 7

Interpretation:

The Eysenck’s Personality Questionnaire-Revised was administered on the client (V.S).

and that the client may be trying to portray a good image while answering some of the questions.

Psychoticism: In the area of psychoticism the client obtained a score of 7, which indicates that

the score is low and that the client is not psychotic.

Neuroticism: In the area of neuroticism the client obtained a score of 18,which indicates that the

score is high and that the client is neurotic. He tends to worry a lot, is overactive, highly-strung

and displays huge fluctuation in emotions. He may also suffer from sleeplessness, is rather lonely

and can susceptible to his feelings especially worries and anxieties. With such high scores of

neuroticism, he is also susceptible to neurotic disorders when under a great deal of stress.

Extraversion: In the area of extraversion the client obtained a score of 19, which indicates that

the score is high and that the client is outgoing, impulsive, uninhibited and is a highly sociable

person. He seems to be a talkative person, with many hobbies and a large social circle. He

dislikes solitary pursuits such as reading, studying, and contemplation. He prefers excitement,

likes to take chances, tends to acts on the spur of the moment, and generally is quite active. He

may usually have an answer to anything.

Recommendations:
  The client appears to be highly neurotic. To overcome this, he needs to undertake better

planning strategies, like devising a timetable or a flowchart of work to be done. Being

neurotic leads to conscientiousness and this can be channeled into having better physical

health through daily exercise and healthy eating and following a routine.

 Brainstorming solutions to his problems, listing out his strengths and weaknesses, using

force-field analysis, devising problem trees and role-playing can also help him overcome

anxiety and deal with stressful situations.

 To maximize his extraversion potentiality he could engage in public speaking, explore

more possible hobbies and see if there is anything else that he likes. He could help

introverted people by teaching them skills to make them more sociable.

 To maintain his low level of psychoticism, it is recommended that he is constantly

checked for being very tough minded, non negotiable and intolerant through interaction

with a trusted person.

Conclusion:

As indicated by the scores, the client is high in Extraversion and Neuroticism and low in
Psychoticism. He is active, optimistic, impulsive, changeable, excitable, restless, touchy and may
become aggressive.

References:
Ahuja, A., Garcia, O., & Garcia, L. (2003). A psychometric analysis of the revised

Eysenck Personality Questionnaire short scale. Personality and Individual Differences, 449-460.

Eysenck, H., & Eysenck, S. (1975). Manual of the Eysenck Personality Questionnaire

(Junior and Adult). Kent, UK: Hodder & Stoughton.

Eysenck, H., & Eysenck, S. B. (n.d.). Eysenck Personality Inventory and Eysenck Personality

Questionnaire. San Diego, California: Educational and Industrial Testing Service.

Rocklin, T., & Revelle, W. (1981). The Measurement of Extraversion: A comparison of the

EPQ and EPI. British Journal of Social Psychology, 279-284.

Sato, T. (2005). The Eysenck Personality Questionnaire Brief Version: factor structure and

reliability. The Journal of Psychology, 139(6), 545-552.

Tiwari, T., Singh, A., & Singh, I. (2009). The short-form revised Eysenck personality

questionnaire: A Hindi edition (EPQRS-H). Industrial Psychiatry Journal, 18(1), 27-31.

doi: 10.4103/0972-6748.57854.