The Big Five

In my second journal, I briefly mentioned dimensions of personality. I figured that since these dimensions are a cornerstone in understanding personality, it was worthy to do a journal dedicated to explaining them.

Throughout history, various scientists have developed their own trait theories. These trait theories consist of anywhere between three to 4,000 traits. While scientists agreed that the higher end of the spectrum was just a bit too complex they also decided that the lower end was just too vague. Just like Goldilocks, they found a theory that was just right: the Big Five.

The Big Five Personality Traits were established by an English scientist named Hans Eysenck. The Big Five are broad categories of personality traits; each dimension representing a range between two extremes. Here are the five traits:

#1- Extraversion

Extraversion is the amount of emotion and energy a person exhibits. An outgoing and talkative person can be said to be high in extraversion while the opposite can be said for a shy, quiet person.

#2- Agreeableness

Agreeableness is all about being prosocial and just a nice person. People who exhibit this trait are warm, kind, trustworthy and empathetic while individuals who are low in this trait tend to insult and be insensitive to others.

#3- Conscientiousness

If a person is goal driven, they are conscientious. A person who exhibits high levels of this trait plan, prioritize and set schedules. On the other hand, a person who has low levels of conscientiousness most likely don’t really have a schedule, makes messes and procrastinates.

#4- Neuroticism

Neuroticism is noted as emotional instability. Individuals who strongly display this trait most likely have mood swings, anxiety, irritability while people who are low in neuroticism are very relaxed and rarely feel upset.

#5- Openness

People who express openness are very creative, imaginative and adventurous. People who are low on this trait don’t really like change and lean towards traditionalism.

The Big Five are found to be biological; it has been found that these traits are universal. However, it’s important to keep in mind that the Big Five are influenced by the environment. Therefore a person’s levels will be subjected to changes over the course of their life depending on who they associate with and what settings they inhabit.

Reference:

Cherry, K. (2017, May 8). What Are the Big Five Personality Traits? Retrieved from https://www.verywell.com/the-big-five-personality-dimensions-2795422