Cerebral Palsy and Personality Traits, as Measured by the NEO PI-R—A Preliminary Study

The aim of this study was to investigate whether or not individuals with cerebral palsy (CP), without psychiatric problems, have a divergent personality. Eighteen individuals with CP (11 women, 7 men) were included. Seventeen had spastic and one dyskinetic CP. The participants completed the personality inventory NEO-PI-R. The group had a low average value in the Openness domain scale. In facet scales, the study group was more fearful, had difficulties coping with stress, tended to keep in the background, found change difficult, had limited curiosity, and was relaxed in tempo, more altruistic, more humble, and more unable to get organized. There was a stereotypical gender result, with low results on Openness to aesthetics and feelings for males and higher vulnerability for women. The results may indicate that individuals with CP have a divergent personality compared to individuals in general.