The Big Five personality traits are five broad dimensions that describe human personality. They are Neuroticism, Extroversion, Openness to Experience, Agreeableness, and Conscientiousness. Each trait is defined in terms of where someone scores high or low on attributes that characterize that dimension of personality. For example, high Neuroticism is characterized by anxiety, self-consciousness, and vulnerability while low Neuroticism is calm and even-tempered. The Big Five provide a comprehensive framework for understanding personality.

1. WWhhaatt aarree tthhee BBiigg FFiivvee??
Five broad dimensions of personality
traits.
Five basic source traits that make up the
fundamental building blocks of
personality.

2. TThhee BBiigg FFiivvee
Neuroticism,
Extroversion,
Openness to Experience,
Agreeableness,
Conscientiousness.

3. NNeeuurroottiicciissmm
The tendency to experience negative emotions, such as
anger, anxiety, or depression
High
◦ Anxiety
◦ Self-consciousness
◦ Depression
◦ Vulnerability
◦ Impulsiveness
◦ Angry hostility
Low
◦ Calm
◦ Even-tempered
◦ Unemotional
◦ Hardy

4. NNeeuurroottiicciissmm
Individuals high on Neuroticism have more
bad feelings and psychological distress
because…
◦ Generate more stressful situations by getting into
arguments, etc.
◦ React more strongly negatively to stressful
events.
◦ Direct bad feelings associated with Neuroticism
even without stressors.
Individuals have more psychosomatic
symptoms, irritation, anger, and
nervousness.

5. EExxttrroovveerrssiioonn
Characterized by positive emotions, urgency, and the
tendency to seek out stimulation and the company of
others.
High
◦ Gregariousness
◦ Activity Level
◦ Assertiveness
◦ Excitement Seeking
◦ Positive Emotions
◦ Warmth
Low
◦ Reserved
◦ Loner
◦ Quiet

6. EExxttrroovveerrssiioonn
More resistant to distraction, cognitive
interference, and perform better on tasks
requiring divided attention.

7. OOppeennnneessss ttoo EExxppeerriieennccee
 A general appreciation for art, emotion, adventure, unusual ideas,
imagination, curiosity, and variety of experience.
 High
◦ Fantasy
◦ Aesthetics
◦ Feelings
◦ Ideas
◦ Actions
◦ Values
 Low
◦ Down-to-earth
◦ Conventional
◦ Uncreative
◦ Prefer routine

8. OOppeennnneessss ttoo EExxppeerriieennccee
Alternately labeled culture, intelligence,
openness.
High in very creative people.
Correlated with…
◦ Active intelligence
◦ Education
◦ No of career changes
◦ Aesthetic interests and sensitivity
◦ Intellectual absorption
◦ Broad values

9. AAggrreeeeaabblleenneessss
Tendency to be compassionate and cooperative rather
than suspicious and antagonistic towards others.
High
◦ Straightforwardness
◦ Trust
◦ Altruism
◦ Modesty
◦ Tendermindedness
◦ Compliance
 Low
◦ Aggressive
◦ Ruthless
◦ Suspicious

10. AAggrreeeeaabblleenneessss
Includes altruism, affection, humaneness,
sincerity
Most related to good parenting in
mothers.

11. CCoonnsscciieennttiioouussnneessss
Tendency to show self-discipline, act dutifully, and aim
for achievement.
High
◦ Self-discipline
◦ Dutifulness
◦ Competence
◦ Order
◦ Deliberation
◦ Achievement striving
Low
◦ Lazy
◦ Aimless
◦ Quitting

12. CCoonnsscciieennttiioouussnneessss
Most related to success across jobs and
situations.
◦ College level individuals high in
Conscientiousness predicts job success years
in the future
Related to good scores on integrity tests