The relation of profile elevation in the self-directed search to personality variables

The NEO Five-Factor Inventory (NEO-FFI) and the Personal Styles Inventory ( PSI) were used to determine if personality differences existed between peop le with different levels of profile elevation on the Self-Directed Search ( SDS). Profile elevation was defined as the total score of the six scales on the SDS. Results indicated that higher profile elevation was associated wi th higher Openness to Experience, higher Extraversion, and lower Depressive personality traits. These results were used to construct a series of norms that may be useful in helping practitioners understand what a high or low profile means on the SDS.