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In common day talk we use the word personality often, ostensibly to describe characteristics that we like or dislike about other individuals. But is personality an enduring pattern of behavior or fleeting reaction to an occurrence?
Personality refers to the unique and relatively stable patterns of thoughts, feelings, and behaviour that characterise a person and influence how he or she perceives the world.
It is concerned with long-term patterns and traits that separate an individual from others.
Major characteristics of personality include stability and uniqueness.
Personality is shaped by a combination of genetic, biological, environmental, cultural, and experiential influences. Experiences in childhood, family and life coupled with roles performed also contribute to its development.
Several theories have been advanced to explain the origin and influence of personality. These include trait theories that focus on measurable traits, and psychodynamic theory that emphasis the role of unconscious thoughts and early childhood experiences in shaping personality.
Humanistic theories highlight how personal growth and the pursuit of self-actualisation shape this aspect.
Trait theory of behaviour is a psychological approach that explains individual differences in personality and behavior based on identifiable and measurable traits. Traits are enduring characteristics that influence how people think, feel, and act consistently across different situations and over time.
Today we focus on one of the concepts under trait theories known as the Five Factor Model or the Big Five Personality traits. It is one of the most studied and applied models in the description of personality. These factors include extraversion, which is characterised by assertiveness, energy and sociability hence making one outgoing and enjoying others' company, this is the opposite of introversion.
The other characteristic is agreeableness with individuals exhibiting traits like cooperation, kindness, and empathy making one compassionate and tender towards others as opposed to individuals who exhibit antagonism.
The third is conscientiousness characterised by a sense of responsibility, self-discipline and organization, making one goal oriented, dependable and reliable, as contrasted by individuals exhibiting disinhibition.
The fourth personality under this theory is neuroticism which is associated with emotional instability, anxiety, mood swings and irritability predisposing one to stress, this is contrasted with individuals exhibiting emotional stability.
The last one under this theory is openness to experiences leading to curiosity, creativity, inventiveness, making these individuals enjoy intellectual pursuits and are open to new experiences. This trait is contrasted by individuals who thrive in conventionality.
This model is applied in personality assessments, which includes psychological assessments for work suitability and career counselling, helping predict behaviour in different contexts.
- The writer is a licensed psychologist/psychiatrist clinical officer and lecturer KMTC Meru Campus
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