The personality defines largely who we are. It is she who makes some people flourish in social interactions, while others prefer loneliness. Today, many psychologists specializing in personality agree that it is structured around five major fundamental features, known as “Big Five” or model of the five factors. These dimensions are: extraversion, pleasantness, openness to experience, conscience and neuroticism. Knowing what each of these traits means, as revealed by a high or weak score, allows you to have a better understanding of your own personality, without necessarily taking a test. It also helps to better understand the behavior of others, according to their position on the scale of each line.
Opening
Opening, or openness to experience, is mainly characterized by imagination and curiosity. People with a high level of opening have many interests, are curious about the world and others, like to learn and live new experiences. People with this trait are often more creative and adventurous, while those who lack it are more traditional and less comfortable with abstract thought.
Professional conscience
This trait manifests itself in great rigor, good self -control and strong orientation towards objectives. Conscientious people are generally organized, attentive to the details, provident and concerned about the impact of their actions, while respecting the deadlines. Conversely, a low level of professional consciousness often reflects a lack of structure, a tendency to procrastinate and difficulties in respecting deadlines.
Extroversion
Extraversion designates a tendency to be sociable, expressive, affirmed and enthusiastic. Extraverted people are generally open and communicative. They draw their energy from social interactions, which motivate them and invigorate them. People who are not very extroverted, or introverted, are more reserved and often find the tiring social interactions. They need calm to recharge.
Pleasantness
This trait is characterized by confidence, benevolence, altruism and other behaviors turned to others. Very pleasant people are often cooperative, while those who have a low level are rather competitive and sometimes manipulative.
Neuroticism
Neuroticism is manifested by emotional instability, a tendency to sadness and mood swings. This trait is often considered negative because it can affect well-being and quality of life. Very neurotic people frequently feel anxiety, irritability and sadness. People with this personality trait are generally terminating and more stable emotionally.
Factors influencing personality traits
Personality is shaped both by biological and environmental factors. Studies on twins show that nature and education influence the five personality traits. A study relating to 123 pairs of identical twins and 127 pairs of fraternal twins estimated the heritability of these traits at 53 % for extraversion, 41 % for pleasantness, 44 % for conscience, 41 % for neuroticism and 61 % for opening. Longitudinal studies show that the five major personality traits remain quite stable in adulthood. A study conducted over four years with active adults revealed that personality is changing little, even in the face of difficult events. Maturation influences these features: as they get older, people generally become less extroverted, less neurotic and less open to experience, while aggressibility and consciousness increase.