Psychological experts believe there are five core personality characteristics known as the “Big Five” personality traits.
These traits are, “Extraversion (also often spelled extroversion), agreeableness, openness, conscientiousness, and neuroticism,” according to Very Well Mind. The publication further explains that conscientiousness is thoughtfulness, openness is creativity and fascination, agreeableness is friendliness, extraversion is sociability, and neuroticism can often mean sorrow or emotional instability.
According to the above publication, the “Big 5 Personality Theory” emerged due to researchers recognizing the complexity and scope of previous theories. “For instance, Gordon Allport’s list contained 4,000 personality traits, Raymond Cattell had 16 personality factors, and Hans Eysenck offered a three-factor theory.”
Additionally, the Very Well Mind publication claims that the Big Five theory triumphed above all these other theories and has been supported by various psychologists, including D. W. Fiske (1949), Norman (1967), Smith (1967), Goldberg, and McCrae & Costa (1987).
Let’s break down these traits and what they entail and see if all people see a reflection of themselves. Understanding each personality trait helps us accept and acknowledge people according to how they are wired, this also strengthens relationships and builds up empathy.
Openness: According to the Thomas publication, openness is a personality trait that encourages imagination, insight, and a willingness to learn and experience new things. It is believed that being open leads to a broad range of interests and adventurous decision-making. Moreover, the mentioned source states that creativity plays a significant role in this trait, allowing for greater comfort in abstract and lateral thinking. “Anyone low in this trait tends to be viewed with more traditional approaches to life and may struggle when it comes to problem-solving outside their comfort zone of knowledge.”
Conscientiousness: If you are from South Africa and you watch your political news, you will know the inside joke associated with this word, but this is not what this is about. Psychology Today described this personality trait as a key personality trait, characterised by responsibility, organisation, hard work, goal-directedness, and adherence to norms. “A conscientious person is good at self-regulation and impulse control. This trait influences whether you will set and keep long-range goals, deliberate over choices, behave cautiously or impulsively, and take obligations to others seriously.” The publication also claims that conscientiousness is essential for success in love and work, and predicts health, well-being, and longevity.
Extraversion: Extraversion, or extroversion, is a social trait indicating emotional expression and comfort in one’s environment, states Pysch Central. The publication also mentions that high extraversion individuals tend to be outgoing, and talkative, thrive in social situations, enjoy conversation, and work in supervisory roles.
Neuroticism: The above-mentioned source claims that neuroticism is a personality trait characterized by unsettling thoughts, sadness, or moodiness, often resulting in feelings of insecurity, stress, irritability, worry, and mood swings.
Agreeableness: According to Lee Phillips, a psychotherapist and certified couples therapist, agreeableness is a trait that measures an individual’s trustworthiness, forgivingness, and straightforwardness. “These individuals tend to enjoy helping others and possess empathy and sympathy. This trait looks at how well the individual interacts with others or a team [and measures] how cooperative and sceptical they are.” The psychotherapist continues to state that this trait is influenced by social harmony, however, those in this category may be too trustworthy and may be taken advantage of.
Also see: How to be there for your friend with borderline personality disorder
