Five-Factor Theory

1. Openness to experience
Openness to experience is a general appreciation for art, emotion, adventure,
unusual ideas, imagination, curiosity, and variety of experience. People who
are open to experience are intellectually curious, open to emotion, sensitive to
beauty, and willing to try new things. They tend to be, when compared to
closed people, more creative and more aware of their feelings. They are also
more likely to hold unconventional beliefs. Open people can be perceived as
unpredictable or lacking focus, and more likely to engage in risky behaviour or
drug-taking.[36] Moreover, individuals with high openness are said to pursue
self-actualisation specifically by seeking out intense, euphoric experiences.
Conversely, those with low openness want to be fulfilled by persevering and
are characterised as pragmatic and data-driven – sometimes even perceived to
be dogmatic and closed-minded. Some disagreement remains about how to
interpret and contextualise the openness factor as there is a lack of biological
support for this particular trait. Openness has not shown a significant
association with any brain regions as opposed to the other four traits which did
when using brain imaging to detect changes in volume associated with each
trait (DeYoung et al., 2010).

Facets of Openness to Experience

Imagination Artistic Interests

To imaginative individuals the High scorers in this area love beauty,
real world is often too plain both in art and in nature. They
and ordinary. High scorers for become easily involved and absorbed
this facet use fantasy, not as an in artistic and natural events.
escape, but as a way of
creating for themselves, a
more richer and interesting
inner-world.

Depth of Emotions Willingness to Experiment

People who score high for this High scorers for this area are eager to
facet have good access to and try new activities, and experience
awareness of their own different things. They find familiarity
feelings. and routine boring.

Intellectual Curiosity Tolerance for Diversity

Intellect and artistic interests 'Psychological liberalism' refers to a
are the two most important, readiness to challenge authority,
central aspects of Openness to convention and traditional values.
Experience.

2. Conscientiousness
Conscientiousness is a tendency to be self-disciplined, act dutifully, and strive
for achievement against measures or outside expectations. It is related to
people's level of impulse control, regulation, and direction. High
conscientiousness is often perceived as being stubborn and focused. Low
conscientiousness is associated with flexibility and spontaneity, but can also
appear as sloppiness and lack of reliability (Toegel G, Barsoux JL ,2012). High
conscientiousness indicates a preference for planned rather than spontaneous
behaviour (Costa PT, McCrae RR, 1992). The average level of conscientiousness
rises among young adults and then declines among older adults.

Facets of Conscientiousness

Sense of Competence Orderliness

Competency describes an People with high scores in this area
individual's confidence in their are well-organised, tidy and neat.
ability to accomplish things.

Sense of Responsibility Achievement-Striving

This facet of personality
reflects the strength of a
person's sense of duty and
obligation.
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.

Self-Discipline Deliberateness
Self-discipline, called 'will- Cautiousness describes the
power' by many people, refers disposition to think carefully through
to the ability to persist at possibilities before acting.
difficult or unpleasant tasks
until they are completed.

3. Extraversion
Extraversion is characterised by breadth of activities (as opposed to depth),
surgency from external activities/situations, and energy creation from external
means (Laney MO (2002) The trait is marked by pronounced engagement with
the external world. Extraverts enjoy interacting with people, and are often
perceived as energetic. They tend to be enthusiastic and action-oriented. They
possess high group visibility, like to talk, and assert themselves. Extraverts may
appear more dominant in social settings, as opposed to introverts in that
setting (Friedman H, Schustack M (2016).
Introverts have lower social engagement and energy levels than extraverts.
They tend to seem quiet, low-key, deliberate, and less involved in the social
world. Their lack of social involvement should not be interpreted as shyness or
depression; but as greater independence of their social world than extraverts.
Introverts need less stimulation, and more time alone than extraverts. This
does not mean that they are unfriendly or antisocial; rather, they are aloof and
reserved in social situations (Rothmann S, Coetzer EP (24 October 2003)
Generally, people are a combination of extraversion and introversion, with
personality psychologist Hans Eysenck suggesting a model by which differences
in their brains produce these traits.

Facets of Extraversion

Warmth
Friendly people genuinely like
other people and openly
demonstrate positive feelings
toward others.
Gregariousness
Gregarious people find the company
of others pleasantly stimulating and
rewarding. They enjoy the excitement
of crowds.
Excitement-Seeking
High scorers for this area of
personality are easily bored
without high levels of
stimulation.
Positive Emotions
This facet measures a person's ability
to experience a range of positive
feelings, including happiness,
enthusiasm, optimism and joy.

Assertiveness Activity Level

High scorers for Assertiveness
like to charge and direct the
activities of others. They tend
to be leaders in groups.
Active individuals lead fast-paced and
busy lives. They do things and move
about quickly, energetically, vigorously
and they are involved in many
activities.

4. Agreeableness
Agreeableness is the general concern for social harmony. Agreeable individuals
value getting along with others. They are generally considerate, kind, generous,
trusting and trustworthy, helpful, and willing to compromise their interests
with others (Rothmann S, Coetzer EP (24 October 2003). Agreeable people also
have an optimistic view of human nature.
Disagreeable individuals place self-interest above getting along with others.
They are generally unconcerned with others' well-being and are less likely to
extend themselves for other people. Sometimes their skepticism about others'
motives causes them to be suspicious, unfriendly, and uncooperative (Bartneck
C, Van der Hoek M, Mubin O, Al Mahmud A (March 2007). Disagreeable people
are often competitive or challenging, which can be seen as argumentative or
untrustworthy (Toegel G, Barsoux JL (2012)
Because agreeableness is a social trait, research has shown that one's
agreeableness positively correlates with the quality of relationships with one's
team members. Agreeableness also positively predicts transformational
leadership skills. In a study conducted among 169 participants in leadership
positions in a variety of professions, individuals were asked to take a
personality test and be directly evaluated by supervised subordinates. Very
agreeable leaders were more likely to be considered transformational rather
than transactional. Although the relationship was not strong, it was the
strongest of the Big Five traits. However, the same study could not predict
leadership effectiveness as evaluated by the leader's direct supervisor (Judge
TA, Bono JE (October 2000).
Conversely, agreeableness has been found to be negatively related to
transactional leadership in the military. A study of Asian military units showed
that agreeable people are more likely to be poor transactional leaders (Lim BC,
Ployhart RE (August 2004).

Facets of Agreeableness

Trust in others Sincerity

People who score high in this High scorers for this facet see no need
area fundamentally assume for pretence or manipulation when
that most people are fair, dealing with others and are therefore
honest and have good candid, frank and genuine.
intentions. They take people
at face value and they are
willing to forgive and forget.

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.
Compliance
Individuals who score high for
Compliance dislike confrontations.
They are perfectly willing to
compromise or to deny their own
needs in order to get along with
others.

Modesty Sympathy
High scorers are unassuming, People who score high for this area
rather self-effacing and are tender-hearted and
humble. However it is compassionate.
important to understand that
they are not necessarily lacking
in self-confidence or self-
esteem.

5. Neuroticism
Neuroticism is the tendency to have strong negative emotions, such as anger,
anxiety, or depression (Jeronimus BF, Riese H, Sanderman R, Ormel J (October
2014). It is sometimes called emotional instability, or is reversed and referred
to as emotional stability. According to Hans Eysenck's (1967) theory of
personality, neuroticism is associated with low tolerance for stress or strongly
disliked changes (Norris CJ, Larsen JT, Cacioppo JT (September 2007).
Neuroticism is a classic temperament trait that has been studied in
temperament research for decades, even before it was adapted by the Five
Factor Model (Kagan J, Snidman N (2009). Neurotic people are emotionally
reactive and vulnerable to stress. They are more likely to interpret ordinary
situations as threatening. They can perceive minor frustrations as hopelessly
difficult. Their negative emotional reactions tend to stay for unusually long
periods of time, which means they are often in a bad mood. For instance,
neuroticism is connected to pessimism toward work, to certainty that work
hinders personal relationships, and to higher levels of anxiety from the
pressures at work (Fiske ST, Gilbert DT, Lindzey G (2009). Furthermore, neurotic
people may display more skin-conductance reactivity than calm and composed
people (Norris CJ, Larsen JT, Cacioppo JT (September 2007), Reynaud E, El
Khoury-Malhame M, Rossier J, Blin O, Khalfa S (2012). These problems in
emotional regulation can make a neurotic person think less clearly, make worse
decisions, and cope less effectively with stress. Being disappointed with one's
life achievements can make one more neurotic and increase one's chances of
falling into clinical depression. Moreover, neurotic individuals tend to
experience more negative life events (Jeronimus BF, Riese H, Sanderman R,
Ormel J (October 2014), Jeronimus BF, Ormel J, Aleman A, Penninx BW, Riese H
(November 2013), but neuroticism also changes in response to positive and
negative life experiences (Jeronimus BF, Riese H, Sanderman R, Ormel J
(October 2014), Jeronimus BF, Ormel J, Aleman A, Penninx BW, Riese H
(November 2013). Also, neurotic people tend to have worse psychological well-
being (Dwan T, Ownsworth T (2019).
At the other end of the scale, less neurotic individuals are less easily upset and
are less emotionally reactive. They tend to be calm, emotionally stable, and
free from persistent negative feelings. Freedom from negative feelings does not
mean that low scorers experience a lot of positive feelings; that is related to
extraversion instead (Dolan SL (2006).

Anxiety Angry Hostility

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.
Moodiness/Contentment
This facet measures normal
differences in the way that people
react to life's ups and downs. We
are not using the word
'depression' in a medical or clinical
sense.
Self-indulgence
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.
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.
Self-Consciousness
Self-conscious individuals are
sensitive about what others think
of them. Their concern about
rejection and ridicule cause them
to feel shy and uncomfortable
around others. They are easily
embarrassed.
Sensitivity to Stress
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.
1. Openness to Experience: Measures receptiveness to new ideas,
imagination, and intellectual curiosity.
 Imagination: Assesses the inclination to engage in vivid
imagination and daydreaming (Item 13).
 Artistic Interests: Reflects the appreciation for art, beauty, and
aesthetic experiences (Item 25).
 Emotionality: Measures the openness and expression of emotions
and emotional experiences (Item 26).
 Adventurousness: Assesses the willingness to try new experiences
and tolerance for change (Item 17).
 Intellect: Reflects the openness to new ideas, intellectual curiosity,
and interest in abstract thinking (Item 29).
 Liberalism: The importance placed on ethical, philosophical, and
moral principles as determined by political persuasion (Item 22).
2. Conscientiousness: Reflects how organised, responsible, and goal-
oriented a person is.
 Self-Efficacy: Reflects the belief in one’s own capabilities to
successfully accomplish tasks and goals (Item 24).
 Orderliness: Measures the preference for structure, organisation,
and tidiness in one’s environment (Item 15).
 Dutifulness: Reflects the sense of responsibility, duty, and
obligation towards fulfilling tasks and commitments (Item 27).
  Achievement Striving: Assesses the drive for success, setting high
personal standards, and working diligently towards goals (Item
18).
 Self-Discipline: Reflects the ability to control impulses, maintain
focus, and persevere in the face of challenges (Item 21).
 Cautiousness: Measures the inclination to think carefully, consider
alternatives, and approach decisions cautiously. This facet is not
akin to risk aversion, but rather more in line with deliberate
decision making (Item 8).
3. Extraversion: Measures the extent to which a person is outgoing,
energetic, and sociable.
 Friendliness: Assesses the inclination to be warm, affable, and
friendly towards others (Item 12).
 Gregariousness: Reflects the enjoyment of being in social
situations and seeking out the company of others (Item 3).
 Assertiveness: Measures the tendency to express opinions,
desires, and needs confidently and directly (Item 4).
 Activity Level: Assesses the preference for being active, energetic,
and engaged in physical and mental pursuits (Item 6).
 Excitement Seeking: Reflects the inclination to seek out novel,
thrilling, and stimulating experiences (Item 19).
 Cheerfulness: Measures the tendency to experience positive
emotions, joyfulness, and optimism (Item 30).
4. Agreeableness: Assesses the level of compassion, cooperativeness, and
kindness in an individual.
 Trust: Reflects the tendency to believe in the sincerity and
trustworthiness of others (Item 1).
 Morality: Measures the importance placed on adhering to ethical
principles concerning other people’s rights (Item 14).
 Altruism: Assesses the extent to which a person is inclined to help
and support others (Item 10).
  Cooperation: Reflects the willingness to work harmoniously with
others and avoid conflicts (Item 9).
 Modesty: Measures the inclination to downplay one’s own
achievements and avoid self-promotion (Item 20).
 Sympathy: Assesses the ability to understand and feel compassion
for others’ emotions and experiences (Item 7).
5. Neuroticism: Evaluates emotional stability, anxiety levels, and sensitivity
to stress.
 Anxiety: Assesses the tendency to experience worry, unease, and
nervousness (Item 23).
 Anger: Reflects the proneness to experience feelings of anger,
irritation, and hostility (Item 2).
 Depression: Measures the tendency to experience sadness, low
mood, and feelings of hopelessness (Item 16).
 Self-Consciousness: Assesses the level of self-awareness and
concern about how one is perceived by others (Item 5).
 Immoderation: Reflects the inclination to engage in excessive or
impulsive behaviour (Item 28).
 Vulnerability: Measures the sensitivity to stress, emotional
reactivity, and susceptibility to negative emotions (Item 11).