Self-Esteem & Personality

OPENNESS TO EXPERIENCE (FOCUS ON THE NEW, HOW OPEN YOU ARE TO NEW EXPERIENCES)

(INVENTIVE/CURIOUS VS. CONSISTENT/CAUTIOUS).

General description

Openness to experience is the primary dimension of creativity, artistic interest and intelligence (particularly verbal intelligence) in the Big Five personality trait scientific model. Openness to experience is a measure of interest in novelty, art, literature, abstract thinking, intellectually curiosity, philosophy as well as sensitivity to aesthetic emotions and beauty. This trait also features characteristics such as imagination and insight, and those high in this trait also tend to have a broad range of interests. It reflects the degree of intellectual curiosity, creativity and a preference for novelty and variety a person has. It is also described as the extent to which a person is imaginative or independent and depicts a personal preference for a variety of activities over a strict routine.

Openness to Experience describes a dimension of cognitive style that distinguishes imaginative, creative people from down-to-earth, conventional people. They tend to be, compared to closed people, more aware of their feelings. They tend to think and act in individualistic and nonconforming ways. 'Intellectuals' typically score high on Openness to Experience; consequently, this factor has also been called Culture or Intellect. Nonetheless, Intellect is probably best regarded as one aspect of Openness to Experience. Scores on Openness to Experience are only modestly related to years of education and scores on standard intelligent tests. Openness to experience is the dimension that best predicts political allegiance (with conscientiousness, particularly the aspect of orderliness, coming in at second place). Those who are liberal, politically, are very much more likely to be high in openness to experience than conservatives. Women and men differ very little in openness to experience at the trait level, although there are differences in the aspect levels. Trait openness to experience is made up of the aspects of intellect and openness. Liberals are higher in openness than conservatives (although the biggest difference between the two is openness to experience, at the trait level). Women are higher in openness than men. The mean percentile for women in a general population (women and men) is 56.5. For men it is 44.5.

Openness to experience is one of the domains which are used to describe human personality in the Five Factor Model.[1][2] Openness involves six facets, or dimensions, including active imagination (fantasy), aesthetic sensitivity, attentiveness to inner feelings, preference for variety, and intellectual curiosity.[3] A great deal of psychometric research has demonstrated that these facets or qualities are significantly correlated.[2] Thus, openness can be viewed as a global personality trait consisting of a set of specific traits, habits, and tendencies that cluster together. Openness tends to be normally distributed with a small number of individuals scoring extremely high or low on the trait, and most people scoring moderately.[2] People who score low on openness are considered to be closed to experience. They tend to be conventional and traditional in their outlook and behaviour. They prefer familiar routines to new experiences, and generally have a narrower range of interests. Openness has moderate positive relationships with creativity, intelligence and knowledge. Openness is related to the psychological trait of absorption, and like absorption has a modest relationship to individual differences in hypnotic susceptibility. Openness has more modest relationships with aspects of subjective well-being than other Five Factor Model personality traits.[4] On the whole openness appears to be largely unrelated to symptoms of mental disorders.[5

Characteristics

High O+ (exploring, curious, visionary): Another characteristic of the open cognitive style is a facility for thinking in symbols and abstractions far removed from concrete experience. Depending on the individual's specific intellectual abilities, this symbolic cognition may take the form of mathematical, logical or geometric thinking - artistic and metaphorical use of language - music composition or performance - one of the many visual or performing arts. High openness can be perceived as unpredictability or lack of focus, and more likely to engage in risky behaviour or drug taking. Also, individuals that have high openness tend to lean, in occupation and hobby, towards the arts, being, typically, creative and appreciative of the significance of intellectual and artistic pursuits. People who are high in this trait tend to be more adventurous and creative. Moreover, individuals with high openness are said to pursue self-actualization specifically by seeking out intense, euphoric experiences. People who are high on the openness continuum are typically: Very creative, open to trying new things, focused on tackling new challenges, happy to think about abstract concepts.

People with elevated levels of openness to experience are much more likely than average to be characterized by others as smart, creative, exploratory, intelligent and visionary. They are highly interested in learning, and continually acquire new abilities and skills. They are very curious and exploratory. They find themselves unusually interested in abstract thinking, philosophy, and the meaning of belief systems and ideologies. They will seek out cultural events such as movies, concerts, dance recitals, plays, poetry readings, gallery openings and art shows. They are highly likely to enjoy writing (or even to be driven to write). They enjoy complex, abstract ideas and love to confront and solve complex, abstract and multi-dimensional problems. They are highly likely to be prolific readers, with a strikingly wide range of interests. They have an atypically broad and deep vocabulary. They can think and learn very quickly. They are very proficient at formulating innovative ideas and tend strongly to be articulate (particularly if average or above in extraversion).

People high in openness can see old things in new ways. They can formulate any single problem in a highly diverse range of ways and can generate a very large number of problem-solving solutions. They seek change, often to make things better, but also just for the sake of change. Because people who are high in openness to experience tend to be interested in almost everything, this can make it harder for them to settle on a single path in life, to specialize to a necessary degree, and to create an integrated identity. This problem can be exaggerated if they are high in neuroticism and/or low in conscientiousness. People characterized by the combination of high openness to experience and high neuroticism often undermine their own convictions and beliefs by questioning and making themselves lost and anxious. Open, unconscientious people tend to be “under-achievers” (particularly if also above average in neuroticism). Such people appear to have the capability to succeed, can learn quickly, and are creative, but they can have some trouble implementing their ideas.

Individuals high in openness to experience tend strongly to be entrepreneurial in spirit, as well as smart and creative. They have much higher-than-average interest in creating new ventures, sometimes for profit, sometimes for curiosity, and sometimes for personal transformation. Elevated levels of openness to experience appear necessary to the formation and leadership of business and other forms of complex organization, although conscientiousness appears required for the attention to detail and process management that such organizations also always need.

Medium O: Moderate (innovation and practicality)

Low O- preserver (conservative, practical): Conversely, those with low openness seek to gain fulfilment through perseverance and are characterized as pragmatic and data-driven—sometimes even perceived to be dogmatic and closed-minded. People low in this trait are often much more traditional and may struggle with abstract thinking. Some disagreement remains about how to interpret and contextualize the openness factor. People with low scores on Openness to Experience tend to have narrow, common interests. They prefer the plain, straightforward and obvious over the complex, ambiguous and subtle. They may regard the arts and sciences with suspicion, regarding these endeavours as obscure or of no practical use. Closed people prefer familiarity over novelty; they are conservative and resistant to change Those who are low on this trait: Dislike change, do not enjoy new things, resist new ideas, not very imaginative, dislikes abstract or theoretical concepts.

Uses/Perceptions

Openness is often perceived as healthier or more mature. However, both open and closed styles of thinking are useful in different environments. The intellectual style of the open person may serve as an educator or strategist well. However, research has shown that closed thinking is related to superior job performance in police work, sales and a number of service occupations.

People who are high in openness to experience are less well adapted to and tend to do less well in situations or occupations that are routinized and predictable. They do not fit in very well at the bottom of hierarchies. They are typically ill-suited to entry-level, repetitive, rote positions, because they are always thinking up new ways to do things, and such ideas are seldom welcome from someone at the bottom. They are radical thinkers. They shake things up, particularly if they are also disagreeable and assertive. They are somewhat more likely to be revolutionary rebels (particularly if average or below in conscientiousness).

Facets of Openness to Experience

INTELLECT

Intellectual Curiosity (ideas/Intellect)

Intellect and artistic interests are the two most important, central aspects of Openness to Experience. Note: Do not confuse the personality aspect of Intellect with IQ. Intellect is a measure of interest in abstract ideas, essentially, while IQ is a measure of processing speed, verbal ability, working memory, and problem-solving capacity, and is better measured with a formal IQ test. It is perfectly possible to have a high IQ and a low score on the personality trait of Intellect (or the reverse).

Willingness to Experiment (Action/Adventurousness)
High scorers for this area are eager to try new activities, and experience different things. They find familiarity and routine boring.

People high in intellect are quite interested in ideas and abstract concepts. They enjoy being confronted with novel information, even when it is complex. They are substantially more curious and exploratory than average, and frequently like to tackle and solve problems. They will actively engage in and seek out and initiate issue-oriented discussions, and are likely to read, think about and want to discuss idea-centred books (most frequently non-fiction). They are generally articulate and can formulate ideas clearly and quickly (particularly if average or higher in extraversion). They have a wide vocabulary, and actively enjoy learning new things. People high in intellect will often find and generate novel, creative concepts and voluntarily search for and adapt well to new experience and situations.

People high in intellect find complex, rapidly changing occupations to their liking and will generally do well at them (particularly if they are also high in conscientiousness and low in neuroticism). However, they are substantially less well-suited to stable, straightforward and more traditional occupations, where the rules don't change, and will experience frequent periods of boredom and frustration in such positions. Liberals are higher in intellect than conservatives (although the biggest difference between the two is openness to experience at the trait level). Women are lower than men in intellect (although not in IQ). This is probably a difference in interest: people high in intellect, compared to openness, are more likely to prefer the sciences to the arts. The mean percentile for women in a general population (women and men) is 45. For men it is 55.

Artistic Interests (Aesthetics)
High scorers in this area love beauty and belief, both in art and in nature. They become easily involved and absorbed in artistic and natural events. The closest synonym for openness (rather than openness to experience, which encompasses openness and intellect) is creativity. Highly open, creative people love beauty. They need an outlet for their creative ability, or they have difficulty thriving. They want to be surrounded by art or beautiful crafts. They are sensitive to colour and architectural form. They like to collect things. They are imaginative and like to daydream and reflect on things. They are affected comparatively deeply by music, often of many genres, and may be musical or artistic themselves (both of these are rare in the general population). They can get thoroughly immersed in a book, or a movie, or in their own thoughts, and become somewhat oblivious to the outside world. They respond strongly to beauty, creativity and art. Highly open, creative people can be impractical and flighty, however (particularly if low in conscientiousness). It can be extremely difficult to transform creativity into money, or into a career. High levels of openness are, furthermore, necessary for entrepreneurial success, and often prove useful at the top of hierarchies, even in very conservative occupations such as banking, accounting and law, which need creative people in leadership positions to provide new vision and direction.

AESTHETIC OPENNESS

Imagination (Imagination/fantasy)
To imaginative individuals the real world is often too plain and ordinary. High scorers for this facet use fantasy, not as an escape, but as a way of creating for themselves, a more rich and interesting inner-world and a vivid imagination.

Depth of Emotions (Feelings/Emotionality)
People who score high for this facet have good access to and awareness of their own feelings.

Tolerance for Diversity (values/liberalism)
'Psychological liberalism' refers to a readiness to challenge authority, convention and traditional values.

(People who do not exhibit a clear predisposition to a single factor in each dimension above, are considered adaptable, moderate and reasonable, yet they can also be perceived as unprincipled, inscrutable and calculating).

CONSCIENTIOUSNESS (FOCUS ON RESULTS, HOW YOU FOCUS ON WORK AND GOALS)

(EFFICIENT/ORGANIZED VS. EASY-GOING/CARELESS).

General description

Conscientiousness is a measure of obligation, attention to detail, hard work, persistence, cleanliness, efficiency and adherence to rules, standards and processes. Conscientious people implement their plans and establish and maintain order. Tendency to be organized and dependable, show self-discipline, act dutifully, aim for achievement, and prefer planned rather than spontaneous behaviour. Standard features of this dimension include high levels of thoughtfulness, with good impulse control and goal-directed behaviours. Highly conscientiousness tends to be organized and mindful of details. Conscientiousness concerns the way in which we control, regulate and direct our impulses. Impulses are not inherently bad; occasionally time constraints require a snap decision and acting on our first impulse can be an effective response. Also, in times of play rather than work, acting spontaneously and impulsively can be fun. Impulsive individuals can be seen by others as colourful, fun-to-be-with and zany.

Exceptionally conscientious people are extremely dutiful. They are sloggers. They are made extraordinarily uncomfortable by inactivity. They work remarkably hard and hate wasting time. They are extremely unlikely to procrastinate (particularly if they are also below average in neuroticism). If an exceptionally conscientious person promises to do something, he or she will do it, regardless of circumstances, and without finding excuses. They are extraordinarily decisive, neat, organized, future-oriented, and reliable. They are not easily distracted. Other people may think of them as excessively focused on achievement, productivity and order.

Exceptionally conscientious people are extremely likely to obtain higher grades in academic settings (particularly if they are also intelligent) and make extremely good administrators and managers. They must have everything in its proper place, however – which has advantages and disadvantages – and are likely to be obsessed with detail. They do things exactly by the book. Exceptionally conscientious people are remarkably prone to guilt (although they are extremely likely to organize their lives so that they have little to feel guilty about). Extremely conscientious people are also extraordinarily susceptible to shame, self-disgust and self-contempt.

Individuals who are exceptionally conscientious can react catastrophically to failure (particularly if they are also above average in neuroticism). They are extremely judgemental and are easily disgusted by their own moral transgressions, as well as those of others. They suffer extreme shame and guilt when unemployed or otherwise unoccupied, even when that occurs through no fault of their own. Extremely conscientious people are exceptionally committed to personal responsibility. They are absolutely convinced that those who work hard should and will be rewarded, and that those who don’t work hard and strive deserve their failure. They can be hyper-concerned with hygiene, moral purity and achievement. They can be very micro-managing and controlling.

Exceptionally conscientious people are much more likely to be political conservatives, rather than liberal (particularly if they are also low in openness). Women are very slightly more conscientious than men. The mean percentile for women in a general population (women and men) is 51.5. For men it is 49.5.

Conscientiousness is the personality trait of being careful, or vigilant. Conscientiousness implies a desire to do a task well, and to take obligations to others seriously. Conscientious people tend to be efficient and organized as opposed to easy-going and disorderly. They exhibit a tendency to show self-discipline, act dutifully, and aim for achievement; they display planned rather than spontaneous behaviour; and they are generally dependable. It is manifested in characteristic behaviours such as being neat and systematic; also including such elements as carefulness, thoroughness, and deliberation (the tendency to think carefully before acting.)[1] Conscientiousness is one of the five traits of both the Five Factor Model and the HEXACO model of personality and is an aspect of what has traditionally been referred to as having character. Conscientious individuals are generally hard-working and reliable. They are also likely to be conformists.[2] When taken to an extreme, they may also be "workaholics", perfectionists, and compulsive in their behaviour.[3] People who score low on conscientiousness tend to be laid back, less goal-oriented, and less driven by success; they also are more likely to engage in antisocial and criminal behaviour.[4]

Characteristics

High C+ focused: High conscientiousness (organised, ambitious) is often perceived as stubbornness and obsession. Those who are high on the conscientiousness continuum also tend to: Spend time preparing, finish important tasks right away, pay attention to details, enjoy having a set schedule. A hallmark of intelligence is the ability to think about future consequences before acting on an impulse. Intelligent activity involves contemplation of long-range goals, organising and planning routes to these goals and persisting toward one's goals in the face of short-lived impulses to the contrary. The idea that intelligence involves impulse control is nicely captured by the term prudence, an alternative label for the Conscientiousness domain. Prudent means both wise and cautious. Persons who score high on the Conscientiousness scale are, in fact, perceived by others as intelligent.

Medium C: balanced (both focused and playful)

Low C- nonchalance: Low conscientiousness (Flexible, spontaneous multitasker)is associated with flexibility and spontaneity but can also appear as sloppiness and lack of reliability. People who are low in this trait tend to: Dislike structure and schedules, make messes and not take care of things, fail to return things or put them back where they belong, procrastinate on important tasks, fail to complete the things they are supposed to do. Nonetheless, acting on impulse can lead to trouble in a number of ways. Some impulses are antisocial. Uncontrolled antisocial acts not only harm other members of society but also can result in retribution toward the perpetrator of such impulsive acts. Another problem with impulsive acts is that they often produce immediate rewards but undesirable, long-term consequences. Examples include excessive socialising that leads to being fired from one's job, hurling an insult that causes the break-up of an important relationship, or using pleasure-inducing drugs that eventually destroy one's health. Impulsive behaviour, even when not seriously destructive, diminishes a person's effectiveness in significant ways. Acting impulsively disallows contemplating alternative courses of action, some of which would have been wiser than the impulsive choice. Impulsivity also side-tracks people during projects that require organised sequences of steps or stages. Accomplishments of an impulsive person are therefore small, scattered and inconsistent.

Uses/Perceptions

The benefits of high conscientiousness are obvious. Conscientious individuals avoid trouble and achieve high levels of success through purposeful planning and persistence. They are also positively regarded by others as intelligent and reliable. On the negative side, they can be compulsive perfectionists and workaholics. Furthermore, extremely conscientious individuals might be regarded as stuffy and boring. People who are lacking in conscientiousness may be criticised for their unreliability, lack of ambition and failure to stay within the lines, but they will experience many short-lived pleasures and they will never be called stuffy.

Facets of Conscientiousness

INDUSTRIOUSNESS

Achievement-Striving (Achievement)

Individuals who score high in this area strive hard to achieve excellence. Their drive to be recognised as successful keeps them on track as they work hard to achieve their goals. (Industriousness) Exceptionally industrious people are extremely likely to be successful in school and in administrative and managerial positions (particularly if they are intelligent). They live to work, and always have to be doing something useful. They do not at all like to sit around. They are extremely dutiful. They never put things off. They do not mess things up. They always finish what they start, and they do it on schedule. They are always obsessed with accomplishing more in less time, with fewer resources. They have exceptional focus. Exceptionally industrious people are extremely likely to judge shirkers or people who are incompetent harshly, and to want them out of the way. They are extraordinarily likely to believe that people fail because they don’t apply themselves or work hard enough. They feel extremely guilty, rapidly, if they do not do their duty. However, because they are always stay on or ahead of schedule and accept their responsibilities, they rarely experience actual guilt. They cope remarkably badly with enforced leisure or unemployment. Those who are liberal and those who are conservatives appear equally industrious. Men are slightly more industrious than women. The mean percentile for men in a general population (women and men) is 51.5. For women it is 49.5.

Sense of Competence (Competence/Self-efficacy)
Competency describes an individual's confidence in their ability to accomplish things.

Self-Discipline (Self-Discipline)
Self-discipline, called 'will-power' by many people, refers to the ability to persist at difficult or unpleasant tasks until they are completed.

ORDERLINESS

Deliberateness (Cautiousness)
Cautiousness describes the disposition to think carefully through possibilities before acting.

Orderliness (Orderliness)
People with high scores in this area are well-organised, tidy and neat. Exceptionally orderly people are extremely disturbed and disgusted by mess and chaos. They keep everything extraordinarily tidy and organized. They think in remarkably black and white terms: things are good or bad, acceptable or unacceptable, with no grey areas. They make and stick to schedules. They like everything exactly where it should be – and very much want to make sure it stays where it belongs. They are remarkably detail-oriented and, in the extreme, obsessive. They are extremely rule-abiding and insist that rules are scrupulously observed. They can be very judgmental, harsh and punitive towards themselves and others if and when rules are broken, or procedures ignored. They cannot live without routine and predictability. They can be extraordinarily good at ensuring that complex sensitive processes are managed properly and carefully.

Excessive orderliness can also constrain creativity (even among those high in openness) as creative endeavours often require mess, disruption and intervening periods of chaos. Those who are exceptionally orderly are remarkably more likely to be political conservatives. Orderliness is the second-best predictor of conservatism, after openness to experience.

Women are more orderly than men. The mean percentile for women in a general population (women and men) is 54.5. For men it is 45.5. This may account for some of the trouble in relation to housework between women and men. Since women are, on average, more orderly, household disorder will trigger disgust and discomfort in them faster. This may happen with sufficient frequency, so they end up doing a disproportionate share of such work (even though if they waited a bit longer their less orderly partners, often men, might end up equally troubled and motivated to fix the problem). Orderly people are more likely to have items such as event calendars, drawer organizers, laundry baskets, irons and ironing boards in their immediate environments.

Sense of Responsibility (Dutifulness)
This facet of personality reflects the strength of a person's sense of duty and obligation.

EXTRAVERSION (FOCUS ON THE OUTSIDE WORLD, HOW YOU TOLLERATE SENSORY STIMULATION)

(OUTGOING/ENERGETIC VS. SOLITARY/RESERVED).

General description

Extraversion is a measure of general sensitivity to positive emotions such as hope, joy, anticipation and approach, particularly in social situations. Energy, positive emotions, surgency, assertiveness, sociability and the tendency to seek stimulation in the company of others, and talkativeness. Extraversion is the primary dimension of positive emotion in the Big Five personality trait scientific model. Extraversion is characterized by excitability, sociability, talkativeness, assertiveness, and excessive amounts of emotional expressiveness. People who are high in extraversion are outgoing and tend to gain energy in social situations. Extraversion is marked by pronounced engagement with the external world. Extraverts enjoy being with people, are full of energy and often experience positive emotions. They tend to be enthusiastic and action-oriented individuals who are likely to say "Yes!" or "Let's go!" to opportunities for excitement. In groups they like to talk, assert themselves and draw attention to themselves. Extroverted people tend to be more dominant in social settings, as opposed to introverted people who may act shyer and reserved in this setting.

The trait of extraversion–introversion is a central dimension of human personality theories. The terms introversion and extraversion were popularized by Carl Jung,[1] although both the popular understanding and psychological usage differ from his original intent. Extraversion tends to be manifested in outgoing, talkative, energetic behaviour, whereas introversion is manifested in more reserved and solitary behaviour. [2] Virtually all comprehensive models of personality include these concepts in various forms. Examples include the Big Five model, Jung's analytical psychology, Hans Eysenck's three-factor model, Raymond Cattell's 16 personality factors, the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory, and the Myers–Briggs Type Indicator. Extraversion and introversion are typically viewed as a single continuum, so to be high in one necessitates being low in the other. Carl Jung and the developers of the Myers–Briggs Type Indicator provide a different perspective and suggest that everyone has both an extraverted side and an introverted side, with one being more dominant than the other. Rather than focusing on interpersonal behaviour, however, Jung defined introversion as an "attitude-type characterized by orientation in life through subjective psychic contents" (focus on one's inner psychic activity) and extraversion as "an attitude type characterized by concentration of interest on the external object" (focus on the outside world).[3]

Characteristics

High E+ extrovert (sociable, enthusiastic): High extraversion is often perceived as attention-seeking and domineering. People who rate high on extraversion tend to: Enjoy being the centre of attention, like to start conversations, enjoy meeting new people, have a wide social circle of friends and acquaintances, find it easy to make new friends, feel energized when they are around other people, say things before they think about them. People extremely high in extraversion are highly dominant in social situations, particularly if they are also low in agreeableness. Less agreeable extraverts tend to be self-centred – something that can be made worse if they are also low in conscientiousness. They typically have positive memories of the past, high levels of current self-esteem (particularly if they are low in neuroticism), and experience far above average optimism about the future. People who are uncommonly extraverted have an exceedingly difficult time keeping things to themselves and tend to tell everyone everything. They are very self-disclosing (particularly if also high in neuroticism) and they warm up rapidly to other people. They speak first and most often in meetings. They can be extremely captivating and convincing. They will often be the first to act. People extremely high in extraversion can also be highly impulsive, particularly when it comes to having fun in social situations. They tend strongly to sacrifice the future to the present when something social or group-oriented beckons. It is hard for them to be alone and to study and work. They can be very easily distracted by opportunities to chat, joke and socialize. This is particularly the case if they are also low in conscientiousness. When individuals are extraverted and conscientious, they are more productive than if they are introverted and conscientious. However, when they are introverted and unconscientious, they are more productive than they are when they are extroverted and unconscientious. Those who are politically liberal are slightly less extraverted than conservatives. Women are slightly more extraverted than men. The mean percentile for women in a general population (women and men) is 52. For men it is 48.

Medium E: ambivert (sociable, solitude)

Low E- introvert (private , reserved): People who are low in extraversion (introversion) tend to be more reserved and have to expend energy in social settings. Low extraversion causes a reserved, reflective personality, which can be perceived as aloof or self-absorbed. Introverts lack the exuberance, energy and activity levels of extraverts. They tend to be quiet, low-key, deliberate and disengaged from the social world.
However. their lack of social involvement should not be interpreted as shyness or depression; the introvert simply needs less stimulation than an extravert and prefers to be alone. The independence and reserve of the introvert is sometimes mistaken as unfriendliness or arrogance. People who rate low on extraversion tend to: Prefer solitude, feel exhausted when they have to socialize a lot, find it difficult to start conversations, dislike making small talk, carefully think things through before they speak, dislike being the centre of attention.

Uses/Perceptions

People with extremely high levels of extraversion are very enthusiastic, talkative, assertive in social situations, and gregarious. They are highly energized by social contact and crave it. They find immense pleasure in planning parties, telling jokes, making people laugh, and taking part in community activities. They also make strikingly enthusiastic employees, and are very well-suited to jobs involving sales, persuasion, work in groups and public speaking (particularly, once again, if they are low in neuroticism). They are not at all suited to occupations that require a lot of isolated work (such as computer programming or accounting).

Facets of Extraversion

ENTHUSIASM

Gregariousness (Gregariousness)
Gregarious people find the company of others pleasantly stimulating and rewarding. They enjoy the excitement of crowds.

Positive Emotions (Cheerfulness)
This facet measures a person's ability to experience a range of positive feelings, including happiness, enthusiasm, optimism and joy.

Warmth (Friendliness)
Friendly people genuinely like other people and openly demonstrate positive feelings toward others.

ASSERTIVENESS

Assertiveness

Excitement seeking (excitement)

High scores in this area of personality are easily bored without high levels of stimulation. Individuals moderately high in enthusiasm (excitement seeking) are somewhat excitable, happy and easier to get to know. They will talk more about everything (particularly other people) than the typical person. They laugh or giggle more than average. They would rather spend time around other people than alone, and they tend to like parties. They don’t generally keep people at a distance and are not too concerned with keeping things private. They are comparatively positive and optimistic. They warm up quickly to other people. They like stimulation, excitement , activity and fun. Enthusiastic people are gregarious, encouraging and people-loving, and tend to be quite positive about what might happen next. Excitement seeking (enthusiasm) is not strongly associated with political preference , either, either conservative or liberal. Women are higher in enthusiasm than men. The mean percentile for women in a general population (women and men) is 55. For men it is 45.

Activity level (activity)

Active individuals lead fast paced busy lives. They like to do things and move about quickly, energetically, vigorously and they participate in many activities.

Assertiveness (Assertiveness)

High scores for assertiveness like to take charge and direct the activities of others. They tend to be leaders in groups (“take charge” types). They put their own opinions forward uncommonly strongly and tend to dominate and control situation. Very assertive people can be strikingly influential and captivating. They have the communication style that is often associated with leadership. This is good when they are knowledgeable , competent and able , but not so when they aren’t. Assertive people are people of action. They don’t wait for others to lead the way, but leap in heedlessly. They can be impulsive, in consequence, and can act without thinking. Liberals tend to be slightly less assertive than conservatives. Women are slightly less assertive than men. The mean percentile for women in a general population (women and men) is 48. For men it is 52.

AGREEABLENESS (FOCUS ON THE OTHER, HOW YOU DEFER TO OTHERS)

(FRIENDLY/COMPASSIONATE VS. CHALLENGING/DETACHED).

General description

Agreeableness reflects individual differences in concern about co-operation and social harmony. Agreeable individuals value having a good relationship with others. They are therefore considerate, friendly, generous, helpful and willing to compromise their interests with others'. Agreeable people also have an optimistic view of human nature. They believe people are basically honest, decent and trustworthy. Tendency to be compassionate and cooperative rather than suspicious and antagonistic towards others. It is also a measure of one's trusting and helpful nature, and whether a person is generally well-tempered or not. This personality dimension includes attributes such as trust, altruism, kindness, affection, and other prosocial behaviours. Agreeableness is obviously advantageous for attaining and maintaining popularity. Agreeable people are better liked than disagreeable people. On the other hand, agreeableness is not useful in situations that require tough or absolute objective decisions.

Women are higher in agreeableness than men. The mean percentile for women in a general population (women and men) is 61.5. For men it is 38.5. The fact that men are lower in agreeableness than women help explain their much higher rates of criminal incarceration (90% male). The primary difference between criminals and non-criminals is disagreeableness. If the typical criminal is more disagreeable than 98% of people in the general population, then almost all those criminals will be male. This difference in agreeableness between men and women is largest in countries such as Norway and Sweden, where the most has been done to ensure equality of outcome between the sexes. This provides compelling evidence that biological factors rather than environment and learning account for the dissimilarity.

Agreeableness, per se, is not strongly associated with political liberalism or conservatism, but this is because the aspects of agreeableness predict such political belief in opposite ways and cancel each other out. Liberals are higher in aspect compassion, and conservatives in aspect politeness. However, alliance with the category of belief that has come to be known as politically correct is strongly predicted by agreeableness (particularly compassion). What this appears to mean is that agreeable people strongly identify with those they deem oppressed, seeing them, essentially, as exploited infants, and demonize those they see as oppressors, seeing them as cruel, heartless predators.

Agreeableness is a personality trait manifesting itself in individual behavioral characteristics that are perceived as kind, sympathetic, cooperative, warm, and considerate.[1] In contemporary personality psychology, agreeableness is one of the five major dimensions of personality structure, reflecting individual differences in cooperation and social harmony.[2] People who score high on this dimension are empathetic and altruistic, while a low agreeableness score relates to selfish behaviour and a lack of empathy. Those who score very low on agreeableness show signs of dark triad behaviour such as manipulation and competing with others rather than cooperating. Agreeableness is considered to be a superordinate trait, meaning that it is a grouping of personality sub-traits that cluster together statistically. The lower-level traits, or facets, grouped under agreeableness are: trust, straightforwardness, altruism, compliance, modesty, and tender-mindedness.[3]

Characteristics

High A+ Adaptor (team player, helping): People who are high in agreeableness tend to be more cooperative. High agreeableness is often seen as naive or submissive. People who are high in the trait of agreeableness tend to: Have a great deal of interest in other people, care about others, feel empathy and concern for other people, enjoy helping and contributing to the happiness of other people. People high in agreeableness are nice: compliant, nurturing, kind, naively trusting and conciliatory. However, because of their tendency to avoid conflict, they often dissemble and hide what they think. People with moderately high levels of agreeableness are seen by others as cooperative, warm and considerate. They are likely to look for and even sometimes to see the best in others and are interpersonally tolerant (an attitude that is much valued by agreeable people). They do not like seeing someone’s feelings get hurt, and are concerned about the emotional state of others, preferring peace and harmony. They tend towards submissiveness, rather than dominance (particularly if also below average in neuroticism).

People with moderately high levels of agreeableness are somewhat forgiving, accepting, flexible, gentle and patient. They tend to feel pity for those who are excluded, punished or defeated. They generally feel that people should work cooperatively, and are somewhat sceptical of competition, with its losers and winners. However, moderately agreeable people have to be careful not to be taken advantage of, particularly by disagreeable people, including those with criminal or predatory intent. They may also find it somewhat difficult to engage in arguments (and may even avoid discussions) with less agreeable people. They have to work at bargaining for themselves, or at negotiating for more recognition or power. They may have somewhat lower salaries and earn less money, in consequence. All of this can produce a tendency to resentment and hidden anger, particularly among those who are also high in neuroticism. Furthermore, because of their tendency to avoid or reduce conflict, moderately agreeable people may be tempted to sacrifice medium- to long-term stability and function for the sake of short-term peace. This can mean that problems that should be solved in the present can accumulate counterproductively across time.

Medium A Negotiator (goes for the win win)

Low A- Challenger (competitive, fighter): Those low in this trait tend to be more competitive and even manipulative. Low agreeableness personalities are often competitive or challenging people, which can be seen as argumentative or untrustworthy. People who score low in this area place self-interest above having a good relationship with others. They are generally unconcerned with others' well-being and therefore are unlikely to extend themselves for other people. Sometimes their scepticism about others' motives causes them to be suspicious, unfriendly and uncooperative. Those who are low in this trait tend to: Take little interest in others, don't care about how other people feel, have little interest in other people's problems, insult and belittle others. People low in agreeableness are not so nice: stubborn, dominant, harsh, sceptical, competitive and, in the extreme, even predatory. However, they tend to be straightforward, even blunt, so you know where they stand.

Uses/Perceptions

There are large differences between men and women in terms of spontaneous interest, and these also appear associated with agreeableness. Agreeable people, caring as they do for others, are more likely to enter professions associated with people, such as teaching and nursing, which are dominated by women. This is true even in the Scandinavian countries, where attempts to produce gender-equal societies has reached a maximum. Disagreeable people, by contrast, appear to prefer systematizing over empathizing, and are more interested in things – machines and technology. In consequence, professions such as engineering and trades associated with construction and machinery tend to be dominated by relatively disagreeable men. Low scorers can make excellent scientists, critics, or soldiers.

Facets of Agreeableness

COMPASSION

Sympathy (Empathy/Tendermindedness)
People who score high for this area are tender-hearted and compassionate. Exceptionally compassionate people are primarily interested in the problems and concerns of other people, and other living things, particularly if they are young or helpless. They are extremely concerned with helping other people avoid negative emotion. They minimize conflict wherever possible. They constantly make time and do kind things for other, even when doing so interferes with fulfilling their own needs and interests. They have a remarkably soft side. Other people consider them sympathetic and nice and will turn to them remarkably often for a listening ear. They are extremely empathetic and caring. However, because they are so other-oriented, they find it remarkably difficult to negotiate on their own behalf and may not get what they deserve (for their hard work, for example). This can lead to intense resentment.

Altruism (Altruism)
Altruistic people find helping other people genuinely rewarding. Altruistic people find that doing things for others is a form of self-fulfilment rather than self-sacrifice.

Trust in others (Trust)
People who score high in this area fundamentally assume that most people are fair, honest and have good intentions. They take people at face value and they are willing to forgive and forget.

POLITENESS

Compliance (cooperation)
Individuals who score high for Compliance dislike confrontations. They are perfectly willing to compromise or to deny their own needs in order to have a good relationship with others.

Sincerity (Morality)
High scorers for this facet see no need for pretence or manipulation when dealing with others and are therefore candid, frank and genuine. People who are low in politeness (Sincerity/Morality) are not deferential to authority – nor are they obedient. They can be respectful, but only to people who clearly deserve and demand it, and they are markedly willing to push back when challenged. They are not particularly uncomfortable confronting other people. People low in politeness are not motivated to avoid conflict, or to avoid conflict or fights. They may find themselves quite frequently in trouble with authority. Their scepticism may make it difficult for them to find a place in the middle or lower in hierarchies of power and dominance. They tend strongly to be dominant, rather than submissive (particularly if they are also low in neuroticism).

Modesty (Modesty)
High scorers are unassuming, rather self-effacing and humble. However, it is important to understand that they are not necessarily lacking in self-confidence or self-esteem.

NEUROTICISM (EMOTIONAL INSTABILITY, HOW YOU RESPOND TO STRESS)

SENSITIVE/NERVOUS VS. SECURE/CONFIDENT.

General description

Neuroticism is a trait characterized by emotional instability. It is a measure of general sensitivity to negative emotions such as pain, sadness, irritable or defensive anger, fear and anxiety. Individuals who are high in this trait tend to experience unpleasant emotions easily, such as anger, anxiety, depression, vulnerability, mood swings, irritability and sadness and also be prone to psychological stress. Neuroticism also refers to the degree of emotional stability and impulse control and is sometimes referred to by its low pole, "emotional stability". Females tend to be higher in neuroticism than males. The typical woman is higher in neuroticism than 60% of the general population of men and women combined. In part, this may be why women report more unhappiness in their relationships, at work, in school and with their health than men, on average, and why women initiate 70% of all divorces. This difference in neuroticism between men and women appears to emerge at puberty. It is largest in countries such as Norway and Sweden, where the most has been done to ensure equality of outcome between the sexes. This provides strong evidence that biological factors rather than environment and learning account for the dissimilarity. Neuroticism is not a powerful predictor of political belief, either conservative or liberal.

Neuroticism is one of the Big Five higher-order personality traits in the study of psychology. Individuals who score high on neuroticism are more likely than average to be moody and to experience such feelings as anxiety, worry, fear, anger, frustration, envy, jealousy, guilt, depressed mood, and loneliness.[1] People who are neurotic respond worse to stressors and are more likely to interpret ordinary situations as threatening and minor frustrations as hopelessly difficult. They are often self-conscious and shy, and they may have trouble controlling urges and delaying gratification.

People with high neuroticism indexes are at risk for the development and onset of common mental disorders,[2][3] such as mood disorders, anxiety disorders, and substance use disorder, symptoms of which had traditionally been called neuroses.[3][4]

Characteristics

High: High N+ Reactive (often tense, anxious, alert)

Individuals who are high in neuroticism tend to: Experience a lot of stress, worry about many different things, get upset easily, experience dramatic shifts in mood and feel anxious. Low stability (Neuroticism) manifests as the reactive and excitable personality often found in dynamic individuals but can be perceived as unstable or insecure. Also, individuals with higher levels of neuroticism tend to have worse psychological well-being, they respond emotionally to events that do not affect a lot of people and their reactions tend to be more intense. They are more likely to interpret ordinary situations as threatening and minor frustrations as hopelessly difficult. Their negative emotional reactions tend to persist for unusually long periods of time. These problems can diminish a person's ability to think clearly, make decisions and cope effectively with stress.

Medium N: Responsive (situational stress)

Low: Low N- Resilient (controlled, stress free)

High stability (Neuroticism) manifests itself as a stable and calm personality but can be seen as uninspiring and unconcerned. Those who are low in this trait are typically: Emotionally stable and emotionally resilient, deal well with stress, rarely feel sad or depressed, don't worry much are very relaxed, less easily upset and are less emotionally reactive. People low in neuroticism have exceptional levels of self-esteem, particularly when they are also average or above average in extraversion. They are resistant to anxiety disorders and depression (again, particularly if average or above in extraversion). They tend to be calm, relaxed and rarely experience negative feelings. Freedom from negative feelings does not necessarily mean that low scorers experience a lot of positive feelings, (frequency of positive emotions is measured by a facet of the Extraversion factor).

People with extremely low levels of neuroticism are particularly good at tolerating risk. If they are average or high in extraversion or openness, they may even enjoy it. They remain calm in the face of even extreme uncertainty. People with exceptionally low levels of neuroticism virtually never focus on the negative elements, anxieties and uncertainties of the past, present and future. It is extremely rare for them to face periods of time where they are unhappy, anxious and irritable, unless facing a serious, sustained, complex problem. Even under the latter conditions, they cope remarkably well, very rarely worry, and recover extraordinarily quickly. They always keep their head in a storm, and they never make mountains out of molehills.

When good things happen to them, people with exceptionally low levels of neuroticism can appreciate it, and do not question whether or not they deserved it. They are extraordinarily satisfied with their relationships and careers. Overall, they are extremely tolerant of stress, and tend to breeze through even the more severe failures and setbacks of life. Exceptionally low levels of neuroticism are associated with an absence of concern about mental and physical health, exceedingly rare visits to the physician or emergency room visits, and almost no absenteeism at work and at school (particularly if accompanied by average or above levels of conscientiousness).

Uses/Perceptions

They can thrive in recreational, career, financial and social situations where the possibility of loss is higher. They can consider and implement career changes and other transformations that could enhance their lives with exceptional ease.

Facets of neuroticism

VOLATILITY

Angry/Hostility (Volatility) : This facet measures the tendency to feel angry. Whether or not a person expresses annoyance and hostility depends on his or her level of Agreeableness. Individuals exceptionally low in volatility are highly stable and predictable in their moods. They are almost never irritable, and feel extraordinarily little disappointment, frustration, pain and loneliness. People find them easy to be with and can very frequently relax around them. They almost never express their frustration, disappointment and irritability and appear very reasonable when they do so. Even on those infrequent occasions where they become stirred up, upset, angry or irritated, they calm down very quickly. They are not at all argumentative and very rarely lose their composure. Even if highly provoked in a dispute, a person of very low volatility will rarely react in kind (particularly if also high in agreeableness). Such people remain calm and unperturbed even when highly stressed. Volatile people tend to get upset if something bad does happen, while people high in withdrawal (the other aspect of neuroticism) tend to be concerned that something bad might happen. Technically, volatility has been associated with activity in the brain systems that regulate fight, flight or freeze.

Self-indulgence (Impulsiveness/Immoderation): People who score in the high range for Immoderation feel strong cravings and urges that they have difficulty resisting - even though they know that they are likely to regret it later. They tend to be oriented toward short-term pleasures and rewards rather than long-term consequences.

Anxiety : The 'fight-or-flight' system of the brain of anxious individuals is too easily and too often engaged. Therefore, people who score high in this area often feel like something unpleasant, threatening or dangerous is about to happen.

WITHDRAWAL

Moodiness/Contentment (Withdrawal): This facet measures normal differences in the way that people react to life's difficulties. We are not using the word 'depression' in a medical or clinical sense. Individuals very low in withdrawal almost never suffer from or are impeded by anticipatory anxiety. They can manage new, uncertain, unexpected, threatening or complex situations very well. They are far less likely to avoid or withdraw in the face of the unknown and unexpected. People with exceptionally low levels of withdrawal feel sad, lonesome, disappointed and grief-stricken very infrequently – and, if they do, do not feel those emotions deeply nor for long. Their lives tend to be markedly free of doubt, worry, embarrassment, self-consciousness and discouragement, even in the face of genuine threat and punishment. They are resistant to and rarely worried about social rejection, and almost never feel hurt or threatened. Even when actually hurt, frightened, or anxious, they recover strikingly easily and remarkably quickly. People with exceptionally low levels of withdrawal are simply not worriers. Technically, withdrawal has been associated with activity in the brain systems that regulate passive avoidance.

Self-Consciousness (Self-consciousness): Self-conscious individuals are sensitive about what others think of them. Their concern about rejection and ridicule causes them to feel shy and uncomfortable around others. They are easily embarrassed.

Sensitivity to Stress (Vulnerability): High scorers on Sensitivity to Stress have difficulty in coping with stress. They experience panic, confusion and helplessness when under pressure or when facing emergency situations.