The five dimensions
The dimensions came largely from analysing how people describe one another in everyday language and on questionnaires.
- Openness: curiosity and interest in ideas and experience.
- Conscientiousness: organisation, diligence and self-discipline.
- Extraversion: sociability, energy and positive emotion.
- Agreeableness: warmth, trust and cooperation.
- Neuroticism: tendency toward anxiety and emotional instability.
What it predicts
The traits show moderate heritability and considerable stability in adulthood, and they are related to outcomes in work, health and relationships. Conscientiousness in particular is a consistent predictor of job performance and longevity. Each is a continuum, so most people fall somewhere in the middle.
Criticisms
The model is descriptive and does not explain why the traits exist. Some researchers argue that a six-factor model, known as HEXACO, better captures honesty and humility. Others have questioned whether the same five factors emerge clearly in all cultures and languages.
Further reading
- Goldberg, L. R. (1990). An alternative 'description of personality': The Big-Five factor structure. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 59, 1216-1229.
- McCrae, R. R., & Costa, P. T. (1987). Validation of the five-factor model of personality across instruments and observers. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 52, 81-90.
- Ashton, M. C., & Lee, K. (2007). Empirical, theoretical, and practical advantages of the HEXACO model of personality structure. Personality and Social Psychology Review, 11, 150-166.