Among the difficulties we found on comparing the studies using the FFM is the large variability in the assessment instruments and the heterogeneity in the personality dimensions studied. In this line, defend the use of personality facets that make up the Big Five Factors, as not all the facets of a trait contribute equally to the prediction of behaviors. In fact, these authors found that the criterion variance accounted for by the personality facets of the NEO-PI-R included large portions not predicted by the personality factors. Furthermore, although the facets that form each personality trait are interrelated and co-vary, not considering them individually minimizes the predictive value.
Although a better acquaintance with the individual could come from a consideration of facets of personality, there are hardly any studies based on this level of analysis using the NEO-PI-R. compared facets of personality in tobacco users from the general population. Findings showed that current smokers were characterized by high scores on facets related to the construct of impulsivity (i.e., Impulsiveness, Excitement-Seeking, Self-discipline, and Deliberation), Depression and Vulnerability, and low scores on Compliance, Competence, and Dutifulness. analyzed the influence of facets of personality, instead of factors, on the longterm
abstinence after smoking cessation treatment (at 8-year follow-up). He found that smokers obtained lower scores on Self-discipline and Achievement-striving, and higher scores on Depression, Anxiety, and Self-consciousness. However, data about the predictive value of personality facets of the NEO-PI-R in the post-treatment were not included.