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TRAIT THEORY
JESSAN D. CASINTO
TRAIT THEORY
TRAIT
HISTORY
TRAIT THEORY IN CROSS-
THEORY CULRURAL USE
LOWER-ORDER FACTORS
AND CAUSALITY
LIST OF PERSONALITY TRAITS
Trait theory
Trait theorists are primarily interested in the measurement of traits, which can be defined as
habitual patterns of behavior, thought, and emotion. According to this perspective, traits are
aspects of personality that are relatively stable over time, differ across individuals are
relatively consistent over situations, and influence behavior.
Traits are in contrast to states, which are more transitory dispositions.
In some theories and systems, traits are something a person either has or does not have,
but in many others traits are dimensions such as extraversion vs. introversion, with each
person rating somewhere along this spectrum.
There are two approaches to define traits:
1. Internal causal properties - The internal causal definition states that traits influence
our behaviors, leading us to do things in line with that trait.
2. Descriptive summaries -are descriptions of our actions that don't try to infer
causality.
History
Gordon Allport was an early pioneer in the
study of traits. This early work was viewed as the
beginning of the modern psychological study of
personality. He also referred to traits within his
work as dispositions. In his approach, "cardinal"
traits are those that dominate and shape a
person's behavior; their ruling passions/
obsessions, such as a need for money, fame etc.
By contrast, "central" traits such as honesty are Gordon Allport- was an American
characteristics found in some degree in every psychologist. Allport was one of the first
person - and finally "secondary" traits are those psychologists to focus on the study of
the personality, and is often referred to
seen only in certain circumstances (such as as one of the founding figures of
particular likes or dislikes that a very close friend personality psychology.
may know), which are included to provide a
complete picture of human complexity.
Trait theory in cross-cultural use
This can make the study of personality difficult as meaning and the expression of traits may be different within
cultural groups. Trait theory uses a hierarchy of traits in order to separate culture from the traits; it can be said
the culture is ignored in order to focus on the individual traits and how they are connected to the
individual. Gordon Allport's trait theory not only served as a foundational approach within personality
psychology, but also is continued to be viewed and discussed by other disciplines such as anthropology because
of how he approached culture within trait theory.
Comparing EPQ and Big Five
Currently, two general approaches are the most popular:
Eysenck Personality Questionnaire, (EPQ) ("the three-factor model"). Using factor analysis Hans Eysenck
suggested that personality is reducible to three major traits: neuroticism, extraversion, and psychoticism.
Big Five personality traits, ("the five-factor model"). Many psychologists currently believe that five factors are
sufficient: neuroticism, extraversion, openness to experience, agreeableness, and conscientiousness.
Both the EPQ and Big Five approaches extensively use self-report questionnaires.
The factors are intended to be orthogonal though there are often small positive correlations between factors.
The five factor model in particular has been criticized for losing the orthogonal structure between factors.
Lower-order factors
There are two higher-order factors that both taxonomies clearly share:
extraversion and neuroticism. Both approaches broadly accept that
extraversion is associated with sociability and positive affect, whereas
neuroticism is associated with emotional instability and negative affect.
Causality
Although both major trait models are descriptive, only the three-factor model
offers a detailed causal explanation. Eysenck suggests that different personality
traits are caused by the properties of the brain, which themselves are the result
of genetic factors.
List of personality traits
• Is one of the domains which are used to describe human personality in the
Openness to experience Five Factor Model.
The personality trait of being careful, or diligent. Conscientiousness implies a desire
Conscientiousness to do a task well, and to take obligations to others seriously.
Extraversion • A central dimension in some human personality theories.
• A personality trait manifesting itself in individual behavioral characteristics that are
Agreeableness perceived as kind, sympathetic, cooperative, warm, and considerate.
Neuroticism. • Has been considered a fundamental personality trait
Honesty-humility- factor of
the • measures individual differences in peoples' sincerity, fairness, greed avoidance, and
HEXACO model of personalit modesty
y
Self-esteem (low) • is an individual's subjective evaluation of their own worth.
• a personality trait characterized by excessive worrying; pessimism; shyness; and
Harm avoidance being fearful, doubtful, and easily fatigued.
• In psychology, is a broad personality style characterized by a person's concern with striving
Perfectionism for flawlessness and perfection and is accompanied by critical self-evaluations and concerns
regarding others' evaluations
Is a personality trait characterized by the subclinical inability to identify and
Alexithymia describe emotions experienced by one's self.
An obstinate inability to yield or a refusal to appreciate another person's viewpoint or
Rigidity emotions characterized by a lack of empathy.
A tendency to act on a whim, displaying behavior characterized by little or no
Impulsivity forethought, reflection, or consideration of the consequences.
Is a lack of restraint manifested in disregard of social conventions, impulsivity, and
Disinhibition poor risk assessment.
Is one of the three traits used by the psychologist Hans Eysenck in his P–E–N model (
Psychoticism psychoticism, extraversion and neuroticism) model of personality.
Is an unwelcome, involuntary thought, image, or unpleasant idea that may become an
Obsessionality obsession, is upsetting or distressing, and can feel difficult to manage or eliminate.
Is a personality trait associated with exploratory activity in response to novel
Novelty seeking stimulation, impulsive decision making, extravagance in approach to reward cues,
quick loss of temper, and avoidance of frustration.
• Is a temperamental or personality trait involving "an increased sensitivity of the
Sensory processing central nervous system and a deeper cognitive processing of physical, social and emotional
sensitivity (SPS) stimuli".
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