All human beings are different in their physiological and psychological characteristics, which brings uniqueness to each individual. However, it is psychological characteristics, which give a person its individuality and identity. This uniqueness in psychological traits is the reason why different people react differently in a similar situation? Let us understand this.
We can identify and understand the uniqueness of individuals, as no two individuals are alike. They may be similar in some aspects and different in others.
The extent and kind of variations or similarities among people are called individual differences based on personality, intelligence, interest, and aptitude. Thus, on these variables, the uniqueness of an individual can be measured by giving each one a score on certain structured techniques. The key factor for any such assessment test measuring individual difference is the “reliability” (measures a given characteristic consistently) and “validity” (the degree to which it assesses what it intends to assess).
Amongst the above important variables or characteristics of an individual i.e. personality, intelligence, interest, and aptitude, it is the “Personality”, which is the key variable or characteristic to identify the uniqueness of an individual.
Nature of Personality
Personality is a person’s unique and relatively stable behavior pattern which remains consistent across situations and for a fairly long time.
The most important definition of personality was given by Allport (1937) “personality is the dynamic organization within the individual of those psychological systems that determine his unique adjustment to his environment”.
The personality is developed based on unconscious needs and conflicts, the influence of earlier stages of development on our lives, our socio-cultural environment, and the potential in each of us for future growth. All these aspects including individual experiences and interactions impact our personality and behavior pattern.
There are five dimensions or domains of personality, which for convenience can also be coined as “OCEAN”. Those five dimensions are:
i). Openness
ii). Conscientiousness
iii). Extraversion or Extroversion
iv). Agreeableness; and
v). Neuroticism
As discussed above, personality is a stable set of psychological traits and behavioral attributes. It is a combination of characteristics or qualities that forms an individual distinctive character i.e., personality attribute. These above traits of personality will remain stable and you can recheck after 5 years it will not change. Your personality leaves a trail in these five dimensions.
Parameter or scale to judge the personality traits by the above big five personality dimensions/traits by the five-factor model (OCEAN) is based on empirical data researches made by various psychologists.
Openness to experience
There are 6 other sub traits under this domain of openness to experience, which are: a). Imagination, b). Artistic interests, c). Emotionality, d). Adventurousness, e). Intellect, and f). Liberalism.
This is a personality dimension i.e., openness to experience shows intellect and keenness to seek new and unconventional ideas and experience. A person high on this scale is reflective, creative, innovative, imaginative and an untraditional and a person open to trying new ideas. They are not close-minded individuals instead they are imaginative and curious characters, analytical and such characteristics are positively related to intelligence.
Low on the scale of openness to experience are individuals who are not open to trying new things, are unanalytical, definitely not a thinker.
Conscientiousness
Conscientiousness is a basic personality trait- one amongst the Big Five- that depicts the characteristics of being responsible, one guided by social norms, rule follower, organized, goal-oriented, hardworking with great patience. They are more balanced and are tend to think, perceive and act in a consistent, organized and logical manner.
They are serious about their duties and obligations and never takes anything casual. They are ambitious and more goal-oriented, a doer kind of person. Always have the desire to excel and they achieve their goals due to their punctuality, persistence, and hard work.
It is a good predictor of health, well being and satisfactory relationships. They are likely to have a high degree of secure employment like Government Job and are less likely to be ever in a conflict with the state or involved in any criminal activities.
Extraversion
The extent to which a person is exerting in day to day activities defines an extraversion person. A person with high energy, active involvement in lots of activities, confidence, talkative, dominant in relations, tends to be excited and motivated fully to depict the personality of an Extraversion.
The different traits of extraversion and it’s opposite “introversion” is a pivotal dimension in some of the personality theories like one propounded by Carl G. Jung. Although, in the theory, these words have a meaning different from the way they are used in everyday language. A reflective inwardly is “introverting” and outward reflection is “extraverting” as used in the theory, which has a different meaning than used in normal parlance.
The more descriptive traits of extraversion are Talkative, Sociable, Outgoing, Lively, Optimist, Touchy, Assertive and active. They are more likely to make decisions based on feelings and beliefs rather than applying mind and logic. The person with extraversion personality dimension would invariably see eye to eye and have as often as not a more sexual partner.
If one is low on extraversion or introversion, s/he is characterized as reserved, quiet and independent. Such people have higher social self-efficacy, more secure, seeking depth in relationship, taking decisions applying mind and more emotionally stable when in isolation.
Agreeableness
Agreeableness is another dimension or domain of big five personality factors, which exhibit social self-efficacy and more pro-social, altruistic behavior with intent to do the welfare of others may be sometimes on their costs. Such people are more sociable, accommodating, trusting, forgiving, caring, cooperative and are more than likely to help others in need. They are good team members and are idle candidates for teamwork.
They are generally more thoughtful and with secure attachment are likely to understand the perspective of others during an argument or conflict situation. However, such traits of agreeableness i.e. being high on agreeableness may inhibit them during a time for a hard bargain. The people with high agreeableness are less likely to be a good negotiator.
The person with low on agreeableness would be a Manipulative, self-centered, selfish, ruthless, and low on empathy.
Neuroticism
Neuroticism is one of the Big Five’s most differentiator personality dimensions. An individual who scores high on neuroticism tends to behave a fluctuating mood, emotionally sensitive, and one who experience more negative emotions like anxiety, fear, sadness, guilt, and depression. They are low on social self-efficacy and are not able to perform well in a social situation giving them low self-esteem.
They tend to overreact emotionally and would be as often as not be on low of Agreeableness. Thus, also showing some traits similar to a person on low of agreeableness like Manipulative, self-centered, selfish, ruthless, and low on empathy.
It represents individual differences in adjustment and emotional stability. Every person has their emotional stability, some are high on the scale on Neuroticism they represent negative emotions of distress, anxiety. Low on Neuroticism is stable and secure, who is calm and more confident.
The Author, Legal Mind Ajit Kumar, is a Relationship Coach, Family Mediator and an expert in conflict resolution besides being a practicing Divorce/Family Lawyer.
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