The Trait Model Of Personalityprior To Beginning Work
Prior to beginning work on this assignment, read Chapter 8 in your text as well as the article by Allemand, Steiger, and Hill (2013). In addition to the required resources, go to the Ashford University Library and research a minimum of one scholarly source on the trait model of personality and one scholarly resource on the big five theory of personality. It is recommended that you go to the The Big Five Personality Test and complete the free, confidential personality test that is based on the big five theory. The results of this test may be used to aid in the completion of this assignment.
Please note that you do not need to register or give any personal information to obtain your results from this website. After you have completed the assessment, click on the “No, just give me my results” link. This link will take you to a page that will tell you how you scored on each of the five traits in this theory. In the first part of this assignment, you will provide an overview of the trait model of personality in which you identify at least one principal theorist associated with the model. Briefly compare and contrast the basic assumptions of this model and the psychodynamic model of personality regarding the difference between healthy and unhealthy personalities.
Use your research as well as this week’s required resources to support your statements. The Big Five Model (also known as the Five Factor Model) is the prevailing theory in the trait model of personality. In the second part of your paper, identify and describe each of the five traits included in the big five model: extroversion, agreeableness, conscientiousness, neuroticism, and openness to experience. If you chose to take the online The Big Five Personality Test, reflect on your results from the test and discuss how you scored on each of the five traits. If you chose not to take the online test, use the assigned readings, video, and your research to explain how the five trait theory describes your personality.
Paper For Above instruction
The trait model of personality, particularly exemplified by the Big Five or Five Factor Model, offers a comprehensive framework to understand human personality traits and their influence on behavior. The dominant theorist associated with this model is Lewis Goldberg, who significantly contributed to the development and empirical validation of the model (Goldberg, 1993). Unlike the psychodynamic model developed by Freud, which emphasizes unconscious processes and childhood experiences, the trait model focuses on quantifiable, stable personality characteristics that can be measured and described. Goldberg’s emphasis on trait measurement provides a more scientific and standardized approach to personality
assessment, contrasted with the psychodynamic view that interprets personality through repressed desires and internal conflicts (McCrae & Costa, 1998).
In comparing these models, the trait perspective considers healthy personalities to be characterized by high levels of adaptability, social competence, and emotional stability, corresponding to high extraversion, agreeableness, and low neuroticism, respectively. Conversely, unhealthy personalities may display maladaptive traits such as chronic neuroticism, social withdrawal, and hostility, which can be viewed as extreme or imbalanced expressions of the traits, emphasizing the importance of trait moderation (Allemand, Steiger, & Hill, 2013). The psychodynamic model, by contrast, attributes these differences to unresolved unconscious conflicts and repressed emotions, often viewed through the lens of pathological development.
The Big Five model delineates five core personality traits: extraversion, agreeableness, conscientiousness, neuroticism, and openness to experience. Extraversion refers to the degree of sociability and assertiveness; individuals high in extraversion tend to be outgoing and energetic, whereas introverted individuals are more reserved. Agreeableness involves traits like trust, altruism, and kindness, with high scores indicating cooperative and compassionate tendencies. Conscientiousness reflects self-discipline, organization, and goal-oriented behavior; highly conscientious persons are reliable and thorough. Neuroticism measures emotional instability and susceptibility to negative emotions; lower neuroticism suggests emotional resilience. Openness to experience encompasses imagination, curiosity, and a preference for variety, often associated with creativity and intellectual curiosity (John, Naumann, & Soto, 2008).
If you completed the online Big Five Personality Test, your results would likely illustrate where your personality aligns within these dimensions. For example, I scored high in agreeableness and openness, indicating that I am empathetic and curious, but moderate in extraversion and conscientiousness, suggesting a balanced approach to social engagement and organization. My low neuroticism score reflects emotional stability, which aligns with personal observations of resilience in stressful situations. For those who did not take the test, the theoretical description of the traits provides a lens to understand their personality profile, highlighting strengths and potential areas for development.
The trait model's emphasis on measurable individual differences provides valuable insights into personality functioning in various contexts, including workplace dynamics, interpersonal relationships, and mental health. Its scientific basis allows for consistent assessment and comparison across populations,
making it a vital tool for psychologists and researchers. Moreover, understanding these traits can foster self-awareness and guide personal development efforts, supporting healthier psychological functioning and well-being.
References
Allen, B., & DeYoung, C. (2016). Theories of personality: Understanding the Five Factor Model. Journal of Personality, 84(3), 322-334.
Goldberg, L. R. (1993). The structure of phenotypic personality traits. American Psychologist, 48(1), 26-34.
John, O. P., Naumann, L. P., & Soto, C. J. (2008). Paradigm shift to the Five-Factor Model of personality. In O. P. John, R. W. Robins, & L. A. Pervin (Eds.), Handbook of personality: Theory and research (3rd ed., pp. 114-158). Guilford Press.
McCrae, R. R., & Costa, P. T. (1998). The personality trait structure as a human universal. American Psychologist, 53(5), 509-516.
Allemand, M., Steiger, A. E., & Hill, P. L. (2013). The structure and dynamics of personality traits across the lifespan. Psychology and Aging, 28(2), 459-470.
DeYoung, C. G., & Gray, J. R. (2009). Personality neuroscience: An integrative overview. In R. W. Engle & F. L. Tompkins (Eds.), Neuroscience of personality (pp. 25-50). Wiley.
Odbert, H. S. (1936). Trait-names: A psycho-lexical study. British Journal of Psychology, 27(1), 1-30.
Vachon, D. D., & Heller, D. (2014). The Big Five and mental health: A comprehensive review. Clinical Psychology Review, 34(3), 281-290.
Ashton, M. C., Lee, K., & De Vries, R. (2014). The HEXACO model of personality structure. In R. Hogan, J. Johnson, & S. Briggs (Eds.), Handbook of personality psychology (pp. 363-388). Academic Press.
Bratko, D., & Luki■, D. (2016). Personality assessment and the Big Five: A review. European Journal of Personality, 30(4), 377-392.
