What makes a person cool? To answer this question, psychologists surveyed nearly 6,000 adults in 13 countries. Their study, published in the Journal of Experimental Psychology: Generalreveals a surprisingly universal profile based on six personality traits.
The researchers of theAmerican Psychological Association
describe these cool people through six personality traits: more extroverted, hedonistic, powerful, adventurous, open and autonomous than others. In other words, being perceived as cool is not just about being nice or polite. The team led by Todd Pezzuti, from the Universidad Adolfo Ibáñez, shows that this mixture of pleasure, daring and independence is found as much in the United States as in China, in India as in Nigeria.
How the study identified the six traits of cool people
Between 2018 and 2022, the “Cool People” study surveyed nearly 6,000 adults in 13 countries, from the United States to China, including India, Nigeria and Germany. Each participant was asked to think of a “cool”, “uncool”, “good” or “not good” person, then rate their personality and values on standardized scales.
For researchers at the American Psychological Association, this six-dimensional profile appears remarkably stable from one country to another, in a landscape shaped by fashion, music and cinema. They see it as a tool to understand how people classify others and identify those who challenge established rules.
Being cool is not the same as being a good person
The study contrasts this cool profile with that of people considered “good”. The latter are described as more conformist, traditional, reassuring, warm, pleasant, universalist, conscientious and calm. For Caleb Warren, co-author at the University of Arizona, the only trait shared by both categories remains being perceived as competent.
In daily life, a colleague who is very punctual, helpful and discreet may be considered “good” without necessarily being seen as cool if she does not like to take risks or go out of the box. Conversely, a charismatic but unreliable friend will check the boxes of cool more than those of virtue.
From jazz to social networks: coolness as a driver of change
Todd Pezzuti reminds us that this idea of cool first comes from protest environments. “Everyone wants to be cool, or at least avoid the stigma of being “uncool,” and society needs cool people because they challenge norms, inspire change, and move culture forward.”explained Todd Pezzuti.
“The concept of coolness began in small, rebellious subcultures, including black jazz musicians in the 1940s and beatniks in the 1950s. As society accelerates and places more value on creativity and change, cool people are more essential than ever.” “Coolness has definitely evolved over time but I don’t think it’s lost its edge. It’s just become more functional.”said Todd Pezzuti.