9.21 : Five-Factor Theory of Personality

The five-factor model, often called the Big Five personality traits, is widely accepted in psychology as a comprehensive framework for understanding personality. These five traits — Openness, Conscientiousness, Extraversion, Agreeableness, and Neuroticism — are often remembered using the acronym OCEAN.

Openness reflects creativity, curiosity, and openness to new experiences. Individuals scoring high in openness are imaginative, have a wide range of interests, and are independent thinkers. Low scorers tend to be more practical and prefer routine.

Conscientiousness indicates how organized, responsible, and dependable a person is. High scorers are goal-oriented, hardworking, and thoughtful. Low scores suggest impulsiveness and carelessness.

Extraversion measures sociability, assertiveness, and emotional expression. Extroverts are outgoing and seek excitement, while introverts are more reserved and quiet.

Agreeableness represents a person's tendency to be cooperative, trustworthy, and kind. High scores indicate an empathetic and helpful nature, while lower scores suggest a more critical and uncooperative behavior.

Neuroticism reflects emotional stability and the tendency toward negative emotions. High scorers are more prone to anxiety and mood swings, whereas those with low scores are calm and secure.

Each trait exists on a spectrum, meaning individuals may score anywhere between the extremes. Research indicates that these personality traits remain relatively stable throughout a person's life, although some traits, like conscientiousness, may increase with age. The Big Five model has been validated across various cultures and has genetic components, supporting its universality in personality assessment.