Brief Form of the Affective Neuroscience Personality Scales: Preliminary Psychometric Properties in a European Portuguese Community Sample

Abstract

Personality theory based on affective neuroscience research suggests the presence of seven affective neurobiological systems. These dimensions have been identified using psychometric instruments such as the Affective Neuroscience Personality Scales (ANPS) and its brief version known as the Brief Affective Neuroscience Personality Scales (BANPS). Despite being a psychometric valid instrument, the BANPS was not adapted to European Portuguese. This study describes a psychometric analysis of the BANPS in a Portuguese population sample. A European Portuguese-speaking sample was recruited ( N = 355, Mage = 27.31, DP = 12.75). Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was used to confirm the BANPS factorial structure. Pearson correlations were used to explore convergent validity with self-reports for psychological distress and psychopathology. Six factor model was confirmed with adequate goodness-of-fit indices (χ2(449) = 808,9841, TLI = .90, CFI = .92, RMSEA = .048 (.042–.053). Non-agreeable affective systems (anger, fear, distress), correlated positively with psychological distress and symptomology, while play and care systems correlated negatively. Seek and care subscales showed the weakest psychometric properties. The original factor structure was confirmed, suggesting the BANPS may be a valid measure to assess affective behavioral traits in the Portuguese population. Further studies in clinical populations may improve the psychometric data of the BANPS.