Big Five Personality Traits

What are Big Five Personality Traits?

The Big Five Personality Traits, also called the Five Factor Model, is described as a way to understand the different elements of a person’s personality. These traits together describe the character of an individual and are remembered by an acronym called OCEAN.

• O – Openness
• C – Conscientiousness
• E – Extraversion
• A – Agreeableness
• N – Neuroticism

In the past, people had lots of different traits to describe personalities. But over time, they found five big traits that make up personality. These five traits help us understand people better. Researchers worked hard to figure out these traits, and now many people agree with them. The five main building blocks of personality are known as the Big Five traits. Each trait can manifest differently in different people and contribute to their unique personalities.

Big Five Personality Traits

1. Openness

This trait also known as ‘openness to experience’, is related to imagination and curiosity. People high in openness tend to have a broad range of interests and are eager to explore new ideas and experiences. They are often creative, open-minded, and willing to consider unconventional points of view. On the other hand, individuals low in openness may be more traditional, prefer routine, and are less interested in trying new things.

2. Conscientiousness

Conscientiousness means being good at organising, staying disciplined, and working towards goals. People who are very conscientious are often neat, pay close attention to small things, and make plans ahead of time. They are also dependable and responsible. On the other hand, those with low conscientiousness might find it hard to control their impulses, keep things organised, and finish tasks on time.

3. Extraversion

Extraversion, also known as extroversion, is a trait in a person’s personality that tells about how social and outgoing a person is. It means they are lively, friendly, talkative, confident, and show their feelings a lot. People with high extraversion like being with others and it makes them feel more active and happy. On the other hand, those with low extraversion, called introverts, are quieter and may feel tired after being around people. They need some alone time to feel refreshed.

People with High Extraversion:

• Enjoy socialising and is outgoing.
• Talkative and expressive in communication.
• Confident and assertive in social situations.
• Gains energy from being around people.
• Finds joy in the company of others.

People with Low Extraversion:

• Prefer more reserved and quieter settings.
• Tends to be less talkative and selective in speech.
• Often cautious and less assertive in social interactions.
• Feels drained after extensive socialising.
• Values solitude as a means to recharge.

4. Agreeableness

Agreeableness talks about how a person interacts with others. Those with high agreeableness are usually friendly, helpful, and good at getting along with people. They tend to trust others easily and are forgiving. Whereas, those with low agreeableness might be more skeptical and can sometimes be demanding or critical. They might not be as concerned about how others feel and may not offer help as readily. This trait is about behaviours like trust, kindness, and helping others. It is not about actively seeking out relationships like extraversion, but rather about how someone treats and relates to others.

People with High Agreeableness

• Trusting and forgiving
• Honest and Upfront
• Enjoys helping others and being kind
• Cooperative and easy to get along with

People with Low Agreeableness

• Skeptical and less likely to trust
• Demanding and may expect a lot
• May insult and belittle others
• Stubborn and less likely to compromise

5. Neuroticism

Neuroticism, also referred to as stability measures an individuals capacity to handle and recover from challenges. Individuals, with levels of neuroticism may experience emotions such as anxiety, irritability and mood swings more frequently. They may be more sensitive to stressors and may worry frequently. Conversely, individuals low in neuroticism tend to be emotionally stable, resilient, and less likely to experience extreme mood swings or anxiety.

Factors Influencing Personality Traits

1. Genetics: Genetic factors play a significant role in shaping personality traits. Studies, particularly twin studies, have shown that certain traits, such as extraversion and neuroticism, have a hereditary component. Genes can influence the predisposition to exhibit certain personality characteristics.

2. Early Childhood Experiences: The environment in which a person grows up, including family dynamics, parenting styles, and early social interactions, can have a profound impact on personality development. Traumatic or nurturing experiences during childhood can shape how individuals respond to various situations and relationships later in life.

3. Culture and Society: Expectations of culture and society can influence the expression of personality traits. Different cultures may value and encourage certain traits over others that affects how individuals develop and express their personalities.

4. Peer Influence: Friends and peer groups can shape personality traits, particularly during adolescence. Adolescents often seek validation and acceptance from their peers, which can influence their behaviour and the traits they exhibit.

5. Life Events: Significant life events, like trauma, loss or major life changes can impact our personality traits. These events have the potential to influence our stability (neuroticism) shaping how we cope with stress and adversity.

6. Biological Factors: Brain structure and chemistry can also contribute to personality traits. Variations in brain regions and neurotransmitter levels can affect emotional regulation, which in turn influences traits like neuroticism.

7. Education and Learning: Education and exposure to new experiences can shape personality traits, particularly openness to experience. Learning about different perspectives and ideas can broaden an individual’s horizons and impact their personality.

8. Socialisation and Peer Pressure: Socialisation processes, including interactions with family, friends, and society at large, can influence personality. Peer pressure and societal norms can lead individuals to conform to certain behaviours and attitudes.

9. Personal Choices and Goals: Individuals can actively work on changing or developing specific personality traits through self-awareness and personal growth efforts. For example, someone may consciously strive to become more conscientious or open to new experiences.

10. Maturity and Aging: Personality traits can change over the course of a person’s life. Some traits tend to stabilise in adulthood, while others may shift with age and life experiences.