Trait Theories Personality Chapter

Personality Distinctive pattern of behavior, thoughts, motives, and emotions that characterize an individual over time. Can help us predict behavior in situations.

Trait Theories Traits are habitual ways of behaving, thinking, and feeling. Traits are permanent! Examples of traits: shyness, sociable, friendly, reliable, kind, hostile, serious…

Gordon Allport ( ) Divided traits into three major categories. 1.Cardinal traits: extremely strong personality characteristics that define peoples’ lives. Are rare and develop later in life. Very few people have this type of trait. Honest Abe Lincoln, Hitler, Scrooge

Allport 2.Central Traits - These are the general characteristics that form the basic foundations of personality. Are the major characteristics you might use to describe another person. Most people have FIVE to TEN central traits.

Allport 3.Secondary traits: specific traits that influence behavior in relatively few situations. Weak personality traits. Shows up once in a while. Ex: you are nervous when you have to speak in front of a large group

Trait List AggressiveSociableReliable DominantHumbleCheerful ConfidentOrderlyEmotional OrganizedLoyalKind DullHonestCompulsive SeriousAnxious CuriousAmbitious GenerousCautious TalentedFunny ConformingOptimistic

“The Big Five” Trait Model Most widely adopted trait theory today. Used by the dating web site eHarmony.com Traits found in numerous cultures Genetic component Five basic traits

The “Big Five” 1.Extroverted_ _ _ _ introverted outgoing, friendly, enthusiastic, fun-loving vs. solitary, shy, serious, and reserved

Big Five 2.neurotic _ _ _ _ emotionally stable Prone to anxiety, worry, guilt, emotional instability vs. relaxed, calm, secure, and emotionally stable.

Big Five 3.Agreeable _ _ _ _ stubborn Sensitive, warm, tolerant, easy to get along with, concerned with other’s feelings and needs vs. cold, suspicious, hostile, callous., “my way or the highway” thinking.

Big Five 4.conscientious _ _ _ _ undependable Reliable, responsible, self-discipline, ethical, hard-working, ambitious vs. disorganized, unreliable, impulsive, careless, tends to be “late”.

Big Five 5.open to experience _ _ _ _ prefer the familiar. Imaginative, curious, intellectual, open to nontraditional perspectives vs. conforming, practical, conventional, and prefers the status quo.

Acronym used to remember the 5 Openness to experience Conscientiousness Extraversion Agreeableness Neuroticism OCEAN