Personality Psychology: Five-Factor Model

A major theory in personality psychology that describes five broad personality traits: Openness to Experience, Conscientiousness, Extraversion, Agreeableness, and Neuroticism. These traits are considered universal and stable over time.

This factor describes a person's willingness to try new things and their level of intellectual curiosity. People high in Openness are often imaginative, curious, and enjoy variety, while those low in Openness may prefer routine, conventionality, and concrete thinking.

This factor reflects an individual's level of organization, responsibility, and goal-oriented behavior. People high in Conscientiousness are often hardworking, ambitious, and persevering, while those low in Conscientiousness are more likely to be lazy, aimless, and easily distracted.

This factor describes an individual's preference for social interaction and stimulation. People high in Extraversion are often outgoing, talkative, and enjoy being around others. In contrast, those low in Extraversion prefer solitude.

This factor reflects an individual's tendency to be cooperative, trusting, and empathetic. People high in Agreeableness are often kind, compassionate, and helpful, while those low in Agreeableness may be more antagonistic, suspicious, and self-focused.