Trait Approach - The Big Five

The Trait Approach

A trait is what we call a characteristic way in which an individual perceives, feels, believes, or acts.  When we casually describe someone, we are likely to use trait terms:  I am, for example, somewhat of an introvert, a pretty nervous person, strongly attached to my family, frequently depressed, and awesomely intelligent.  I have a good sense of humor, fond of languages, very fond of good food, not at all fond of exercise, and a little obsessive.  You see:  I have just given you ten traits that actually go a long way towards describing me!

Psychologists, especially personologists, are very interested in traits.  They are especially interested in finding which traits are broad and possibly genetically based, as opposed to ones that are rather peculiar and can change easily.  Over the years, we have had a number of theories that attempt to describe the key traits of human beings.

 Agreeableness refers to how you interact with other people, and it involves the level of intimacy you maintain in your personal relationships and how helpful and sympathetic you are. Characteristics of an agreeable personality include trust, straightforwardness, altruism, compliance, modesty, and tender-mindedness.

Conscientiousness refers to your work style. It involves your general dedication to activities; how hard you work and how efficient and focused you are. Conscientious people are typically competent, orderly, dutiful, achievement striving, self-disciplined, and deliberate.

Extraversion refers to how you express yourself. This trait considers your sociability, positive emotionality, assertiveness, and activity or energy level. If you are extraverted, you're probably warm, gregarious, assertive, active, seek

excitement, and tend toward positive emotions.

 Neuroticism refers to your emotional style. It involves the extent to which you experience negative emotions such as worry, self-doubt, stress and tension. Most neurotic personalities display anxiety, angry hostility, depression, self-consciousness, impulsiveness, or vulnerability (or some combination of these characteristics).

 Openness describes your intellectual style - the extent to which you are open to new ideas and innovative approaches, and have an active imagination. Some characteristics of openness include fantasy, appreciation of art, the tendency to have a variety of emotions, action (not reaction), and individual ideas and values.

Test yourself by clicking the link below.

1.http://drphil.com/shows/bigfivepersonalityquiz

2.http://www.personalitytest.org.uk

3.https://www.123test.com/personality-test/