What are the 5 Personality Traits used?

Modified on Mon, 20 May at 2:29 PM

The Big Five personality traits is a recommended & widely recognized grouping, for personality traits, developed from the 1980s onwards in psychological trait theory.

Trait	Definition
Conceptual	High scores indicate a strong appreciation for creativity, adventure, variety, and pursuing exciting experiences. Low scores indicate a pre-disposition to pragmatism and data-driven approaches and fulfilment through perseverance and routine.
Conscientious	High scores indicate a tendency to be organised and dependable, with a preference for planned behaviour rather than spontaneous. Low scores indicate a flexible approach to tasks, with a preference for spontaneity over rigid schedules.
Outgoing	High scores indicate a high energy and out-going social approaches, stimulated by the presence of others. Low scores indicate a more reserved social approach, with contentment in listening and observing group discussions.
Supportive	High scores indicate compassion and cooperation, and an inclination to help others reach their goals. Low scores indicate a competitive approach to tasks, driven by success and achievement.
Emotion Control	High scores indicate a calm and stable approach to their environment, taking tasks in stride without alarm. Low scores indicate being passionate, dynamic, and very reactive to their environment, with very high levels of concern for their contribution to tasks.

When factor analysis (a statistical technique) is applied to personality survey data, it reveals semantic associations: some words used to describe aspects of personality are often applied to the same person.

For example, someone described as conscientious is more likely to be described as "always prepared" rather than "messy".

These associations suggest five broad dimensions used in common language to describe the human personality, temperament and psyche.