In this article, we will look at the big five personality traits. This article explores all five personality traits extraversion (also often spelled extroversion), agreeableness, openness, conscientiousness, and neuroticism in depth.
The Big Five Personality Traits
Many modern personality psychologists agree that there are five essential aspects to personality, dubbed the “Big 5” personality traits. Here are the five broad personality qualities outlined by the theory:
- Extraversion (also called extroversion)
- Agreeableness
- Openness
- Conscientiousness
- Neuroticism
Extraversion
Excitability, friendliness, chattiness, assertiveness, and high degree of emotional expressiveness are all characteristics of extraversion (or extroversion).
People with a high level of extraversion are gregarious and thrive in social circumstances. They become energised and thrilled when they are in the company of others.
People with low extraversion (or introversion) are more restrained in social situations and have much less energy to exert. Introverts frequently require a period of solitude and silence to “refuel” their social tanks, after attending social activities.
High on Extraversion
Someone who is high on extraversion will exhibit the following behaviours:
- Find joy in being the focus of attention.
- Enjoy initiating conversations.
- Meet new people with delight.
- Have a large social circle of colleagues and friends.
- It is simple for them to make new friendships.
- When they’re with other people, they feel energised.
- Say things without thinking over them first
Low on Extraversion
Someone who is low on extraversion will exhibit the following behaviours:
- Prefer to be alone
- When they have to socialise a lot, they feel drained.
- It’s challenging for them to initiate a conversation
- They despise small talk.
- Prior to speaking, they carefully consider their words.
- Becoming the centre of attention is something they wouldn’t want.
Agreeableness
Trust, generosity, compassion, tenderness, and other prosocial qualities are included in this personality trait. People with a high level of agreeableness are more helpful and cooperative, whereas those with a low level of agreeableness are much more competitive and sometimes even don’t mind manipulating others for their interest.
High on Agreeableness
Someone who is high on agreeableness will exhibit the following behaviours:
- Has a strong desire to learn about other individuals.
- Is concerned about the welfare of others.
- Empathizes with others and is concerned about their well-being.
- Enjoys assisting and adding to other people’s happiness.
- Helps people who require assistance.
Low on Agreeableness
Someone who is low on agreeableness will exhibit the following behaviours:
- Others are of little interest to them.
- Doesn’t give a damn what other people think.
- Is unconcerned with other people’s difficulties.
- Taunts and dismisses other people.
- Manipulates people in order to obtain what they desire.
Openness
Characteristics like inventiveness and insight are present in this trait. People that score well on this attribute also have a diverse set of interests. They are intellectually curious about other people and the world in general, and they are ready to learn new things and participate in new activities.
People with a high level of this personality trait are more adventurous and inventive. People that score low on this feature tend to be more conventional and may have difficulty thinking abstractly.
High on Openness
Someone who is high on openness will exhibit the following behaviours:
- Very innovative.
- Willing to explore new things
- Dedicated to taking on new challenges
- Thinking about abstract topics brings them joy.
Low on Openness
Someone who is low on openness will exhibit the following behaviours:
- Despises changes.
- Doesn’t like trying new things
- They resist or oppose new ideas.
- Not really very creative.
- Abstract concepts are not their thing.
Conscientiousness
High degrees of contemplation, excellent impulse control, and goal-oriented behaviours are all common characteristics of this dimension. People that are highly conscientious are usually well-organized and detail-oriented. They think ahead, consider how their actions influence others, and keep track of deadlines.
High on Conscientiousness
Someone who is high on conscientiousness will exhibit the following behaviours:
- Prepare ahead of time.
- Complete vital duties quickly.
- Pay close attention to the details
- Have a schedule that they enjoy.
Low on Conscientiousness
Someone who is low on conscientiousness will exhibit the following behaviours:
- Structure and routines irritate them.
- Make mistakes and don’t clean up after themselves.
- Failure to return or place items where they belong.
- He or she procrastinates on important responsibilities.
- Inability to complete essential and appointed tasks.
Neuroticism
Melancholy, mood swings, and emotional instability are all characteristics of neuroticism. Mood fluctuations, anxiety, impatience, and sorrow are common in those who score high on this trait. Those who score low on neuroticism are more emotionally healthy and resilient.
High on Neuroticism
Someone who is high on neuroticism will exhibit the following behaviours:
- Have high levels of stress.
- Worries about a variety of issues.
- Easily disturbed.
- Has mood swings that are severe.
- Have feelings of anxiety.
- Struggle to recover from traumatic incidents
If you’re facing this, it may be a good idea to seek the help of a therapist or other mental health professional. You can find a therapist at BetterHelp who can help you learn how to cope and address it.
Low on Neuroticism
Someone who is low on neuroticism will exhibit the following behaviours:
- Have emotional stability.
- Have a good stress management approach.
- Rarely melancholy or depressed.
- Don’t seem to be worried.
- Is very laid back and relaxed.
Universality of Big Five Traits
The big five traits, according to McCrae and his colleagues, are indeed strikingly universal. The five categories were found to be reliable in describing personality in a research that evaluated persons from more than 50 diverse cultures.
Many psychologists currently believe that the five personality dimensions aren’t just universal, but also have biological roots, based on this research Psychologist David Buss has claimed that these five basic personality traits have an evolutionary basis, implying that they are the most essential features that create our social structure.
Factors That Influence Big Five Personality Traits
According to research, both biological and environmental factors impact our personalities. Nature and nurture both play a role in the formation of each of the five personality traits, according to twin studies.
123 pairs of identical twins and 127 pairs of fraternal twins were studied in one research of the genetic and environmental basis of the five traits. Extraversion had a heritability of 53 percent, agreeableness had a heritability of 41 percent, conscientiousness had a heritability of 44 percent, neuroticism had a heritability of 41 percent, and openness had a heritability of 61 percent.
Longitudinal studies also show that these five major personality traits remain generally constant throughout adulthood. Personality seemed to be consistent throughout a four-year period in one study of working-age adults, with very little change in the face of unfavorable life circumstances.
The Takeaway
Always keep in mind that behaviour is the result of a complex interaction between a person’s fundamental personality and environmental factors. The scenario in which a person finds himself or herself has a significant impact on how he or she reacts. People’s reactions, on the other hand, are usually congruent with their core personality traits.
These dimensions cover a wide range of personality traits. Many people have these as clusters of qualities, according to research. Individuals who are gregarious, for example, are likely to be talkative. These characteristics, however, do not usually occur together. Each person’s personality is complicated and unique, and they may exhibit behaviours that transcend several of these characteristics.
Conclusion
In this article, we looked at the big five personality traits. This article explored all five personality traits extraversion (also often spelled extroversion), agreeableness, openness, conscientiousness, and neuroticism in depth.
Frequently Asked Questions: Personality Traits
What are some personality traits?
Here are the Big Five Personality Traits:
- Openness.
- Conscientiousness.
- Extraversion.
- Agreeableness.
- Neuroticism.
What is a good personality?
Being truthful and accepting responsibility for your actions are excellent characteristics. Versatility and adaptability are excellent qualities for getting along with others. No matter what happens, your persistence and drive will keep you going. You can relate nicely to others if you have empathy and understanding.
Are personality traits inherited?
Personality traits are complicated, and research reveals that both genetic and environmental variables influence our personalities. These two factors work together in a number of ways to shape our unique personalities.
Who developed the Big 5 personality traits?
Lew Goldberg
Lew Goldberg came up with the term “Big Five,” which was originally related with research of personality traits in natural language. The term “Five-Factor Model” is more typically linked with personality questionnaire based research of traits.
Why are the Big 5 personality traits important?
The Big Five personality theory provides a straightforward framework for comprehending others and strengthening relationships by understanding why individuals behave the way they do. The Big Five personality theory provides a straightforward framework for comprehending others and strengthening relationships by understanding why individuals behave the way they do.
What is the Big 5 personality test used for?
It’s a test that can be used to assess a person’s most significant personality traits and help him figure out which roles are most suited to him. Recruiters can also use it to locate people who have the right personality and skills for the jobs they’re looking for.
What is Type F personality?
Feeling (F) Personality
People who have the Feeling (F) personality trait often follow their hearts and emotions without even recognising it. Feeling personality types are inclined to be kind, compassionate, and loving, to varying degrees and in diverse ways.
What does Type A guy mean?
Type A people are described as sociable, ambitious, strictly disciplined, highly status-conscious, restless, nervous, assertive, and time-conscious, according to the idea. Type A personalities are frequently high-achieving “workaholics.”
What are the 7 personality disorders?
Here are the 7 Personality Disorders:
- Antisocial personality disorder.
- Avoidant personality disorder.
- Borderline personality disorder.
- Dependent personality disorder.
- Histrionic personality disorder.
- Narcissistic personality disorder.
- Obsessive-compulsive personality disorder.
- Paranoid personality disorder.
References
The Big Five Personality Traits
Heritability of the big five personality dimensions and their facets: a twin study
