The validity of proxy-based NEO-Five Factor Inventory data in suicide research: a study of 18- to 64-year-old Hong Kong Chinese who attempted suicide.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the validity of proxy-based NEO-Five Factor Inventory ratings for 18- to 64-year-old Chinese who attempted suicide. METHODS: In all, 71 suicide attempters and their proxy-informants were recruited. Data based on structured interviews with the proxy respondents were compared with data obtained from interviews of the subjects themselves. RESULTS: For the 71 subject-proxy pairs, the overall correlations were fair to moderate (r = 0.30-0.45; p < 0.05) in all domains, except openness-to-experience. Informants with lower education levels tended to yield data that correlated less strongly with subjects' self-reports. Spousal ratings and self-reports correlated significantly in all domains, except extraversion (r = 0.42-0.63; p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The results supported proxy-based data on NEO-Five Factor Inventory in research of suicidal behaviour in this age-group.