The Big Five

The Big 5 is a personality trait model that identifies five broad dimensions of personality: openness, conscientiousness, extraversion, agreeableness, and neuroticism (OCEAN). It is widely used and has been a helpful tool for understanding individual differences in behavior and cognition.

Your Big Five type will, as the name suggests, be composed of five different letters. The order is as follows:

Low Domain High

R (reserved) Extraversion S (social)

C (calm) Neuroticism L (limbic)

U (unorganized) Conscientiousness O (organized)

E (egocentric) Agreeableness A (agreeable)

N (non-curious) Openness I (inquisitive)

Additionally, an individual will have a predominant trait commonly denoted as [X], and a secondary trait of /X/. You may see someone express their type with some lowercase letters and some uppercase, with the uppercase showing traits they relate to heavily and the lowercase ones not so much.

Example: /S/c[U]eI

The /S/ here depicts a secondary emphasis on "social." The lowercase c and e indicate that while they fall under categories of "calm" and "egocentric," these traits may not be very intense or prominent. [U] shows a primary emphasis on "unorganized." Lastly, the uppercase I shows the extent of their "inquisitive" trait, despite not being predominant or secondary.

Extraversion

High extraversion scores are associated with energetic, sociable, pleasure-seeking, and talkative behavior, while lower scores tend to indicate more reserved, quiet, low-key, and subdued behavior. Introverts typically require more alone time to feel comfortable. It's important to note that extraversion in the Five Factor model refers to outer-directed activity and not necessarily the extent of a genuine interest in others. Low extraversion scores do not indicate asocial or uninterested behavior, but rather a preference for less external stimulation and more time alone.

Extraversion is determined by the facets Positive Emotions; Excitement-Seeking; Activity Level; Assertiveness; Gregariousness; and Warmth.

• Positive Emotions refer to how likely someone is to feel positive emotions like joy and excitement. People who score high tend to be optimistic, enthusiastic, and cheerful. Those who score low may not be unhappy, but they usually experience fewer moments of emotional elation in their lives.

• Excitement-Seeking refers to one's yearning for stimulation and intense thrills. People who score high on the scale of thrill-seeking tend to have a strong desire for stimulation and excitement, actively seeking out diverse and intense sources of stimulation. On the other hand, those who are low on this scale may find satisfaction in roles that would bore individuals with higher scores.

• Activity Level refers to an inclination to stay preoccupied and active at all times. High scorers tend to be busy and entrepreneurial, often juggling multiple projects simultaneously. Conversely, those with lower scores may not be less productive, but rather prefer a slower pace that allows them to focus more intently on each task.

• Assertiveness refers to the degree to which a person expresses themselves, asserts their opinions, and tries to influence those around them. Individuals with high scores tend to be confident in taking charge and expressing their thoughts, which can make them appear as natural leaders. However, they may also be perceived as domineering. Conversely, those with lower scores are usually comfortable with taking a back seat and allowing others to take the lead.

• Gregariousness refers to the degree to which someone enjoys the company of many individuals. People who score high on the scale of sociability find social gatherings appealing and derive pleasure from interacting with others. Those who score low on the scale feel overwhelmed by large social events and may prefer to avoid them.

• Warmth refers to an individual's inclination to exhibit positivity towards others and their ability to form friendships and bonds with ease. Those who score high in this area find it easy to connect with people they don't know well, while those with lower scores may struggle to initiate contact with strangers. It's important to note that low scorers are not necessarily hostile, but rather more reserved and hesitant when meeting new people.

Neuroticism

Neuroticism refers to a person's inclination to feel negative emotions and gloomy thoughts. Those who score high in this trait tend to have a low tolerance for negative emotional triggers, making them more prone to feelings of anger, stress, and depression. Because their defenses are easily triggered, individuals with high neuroticism often perceive ambiguous situations as threatening. In contrast, those who score low in neurotic are more resilient in the face of adversity and maintain a sense of calm and tranquility when confronted with bad news. Having low neuroticism is often seen as a positive trait; however, excessively low levels can lead to a person being overly carefree and potentially overlooking threats in their surroundings.

Neuroticism is determined by the facets Anxiety; Irritability; Immoderation; Self-Consciousness; Depressivity; and Vulnerability.

• Anxiety refers to the tendency of a person to feel unsafe and begin to worry easily. Those with high anxiety levels quickly perceive new and unfamiliar situations as threats, leading them to react with fear. In contrast, people with low anxiety levels face potentially threatening situations calmly and are less likely to dwell on the possible issues that unexpected events may bring.

• Irritability refers to one's inclination to experience anger and hostility in the face of challenges. Those who score high in this trait are likely to feel offended and respond with resentment when faced with negative news, while individuals with lower scores are generally less prone to anger and maintain a more positive perspective on life.

• Immoderation refers to the tendency of a person to give in to temptations and desires. Individuals with high scores often struggle with fighting against their impulses and resisting immediate pleasures such as candy, alcohol, and cigarettes. In contrast, those with lower scores generally find it easier to manage delayed gratification, making them less likely to succumb to temptation.

• Self-consciousness refers to the degree to which an individual tends to feel embarrassment and shame. Those who score high on this scale tend to be embarrassed easily and may feel uneasy or awkward in social situations. In contrast, low scorers are less likely to feel uncomfortable or let their inhibitions take over, making them generally more resilient to rejection and ridicule.

• Depressivity refers to a person's tendency to experience feelings of low mood, sadness, and despair. Those who score high in this area may often feel overwhelmed by hopelessness and struggle to find the energy to engage in daily tasks, while individuals with lower scores are less likely to experience such feelings. It's important to understand that depressivity does not assess a person's capacity for joy and enthusiasm, which are aspects of extroversion, but rather focuses on the presence or absence of sadness in their emotional experiences.

• Vulnerability refers to a person's tendency to feel overwhelmed by uncertainty and powerless when under pressure. Those who score high in this area may experience stress easily and could greatly benefit from support from peers and stable work environments. In contrast, individuals with low scores tend to be resilient, maintaining their composure and focus even in challenging or demanding situations.

Conscientiousness

Conscientiousness describes the extent to which a person organizes their activities. Those who score high tend to be orderly, plan ahead, and maintain control. They often avoid risks and dangers, with their achievements linked to their ability to persevere and plan effectively. In contrast, individuals with lower scores may adopt a more spontaneous and impulsive approach, preferring to "let tomorrow take care of itself." While high conscientiousness clearly benefits work and education, excessive levels can lead to perfectionism or workaholism.

Conscientiousness is determined by the facets Self-Assurance; Orderliness; Dutifulness; Achievement-Striving; Self-Discipline; and Prudence.

• Self-Assurance refers to an individual's confidence in their ability to achieve their goals. Those who score high tend to have a strong belief in their skills and competence, along with the focus and self-discipline required to accomplish their tasks. On the other hand, individuals with lower scores may feel a sense of helplessness and often question their capability to successfully complete the tasks and objectives set for them.

• Orderliness refers to one's inclination to seek order and control in their life. Those who score high tend to be organized and naturally apply systems and structures to their activities. In contrast, low scorers are more likely to improvise and prefer to alternate between various tasks and projects based on what feels most logical to them at the moment.

• Dutifulness refers to an individual's tendency to see tasks and responsibilities as obligatory. Those with high scores are dedicated to keeping their promises and fulfilling their duties, even when it may not be convenient for them. In contrast, low scorers often perceive rules and regulations as restrictive, viewing the obligations placed upon them as more of a suggestion than a requirement.

• Achievement-Striving refers to an individual's drive and readiness to make sacrifices for success. Those who score high tend to be goal-driven and intentional, but extremely high scores might indicate an excessive preoccupation with work and a compulsive desire to succeed. In contrast, low scorers adopt a more relaxed attitude towards their goals and prefer to manage their tasks in a way that allows them to meet expectations without pushing themselves too hard.

• Self-Discipline refers to a person's ability to endure challenges and monotony in order to finish their tasks. Those who score high in this area tend to be motivated and persistent, while those with lower scores appear less determined and more prone to procrastination. It's important to understand that a low score in self-discipline doesn't mean someone can't complete a task; rather, it indicates a lesser desire to do so.

• Prudence refers to an individual's inclination to make decisions only after careful thought and consideration. Those who score high tend to be cautious and deliberate, often weighing every option and its implications before taking action. In contrast, low scorers are more spontaneous and less concerned about the possibility of making impulsive decisions.

Agreeableness

Agreeableness is the measure of how nice and friendly a person is in social situations. Individuals who score high in agreeableness show a genuine interest in others, displaying kindness, consideration, and a mild demeanor. They tend to be compassionate and prefer collaboration over competition. Conversely, those with lower scores may come across as cynical and self-centered, often showing less concern for others' well-being. Generally, agreeable individuals are more well-liked than their disagreeable counterparts. However, research indicates that lower levels of agreeableness can be beneficial in leadership roles, management, legal professions, the military, and certain scientific fields.

Agreeableness is determined by the facets Trust; Earnestness; Altruism; Cooperation-Compliance; Modesty; and Sympathy-Compassion.

• Trust refers to an individual's tendency to view others as inherently fair and honest. Those who score high generally believe that people are well-meaning and trustworthy, whereas those with low scores are more likely to view others as manipulative and deceitful. Consequently, low scorers tend to be more skeptical and suspicious, while high scorers are often more kind-hearted and generous.

• Earnestness refers to a person's fundamental attitude towards deceiving others and plotting for their own benefit. Those who score high are generally unwilling to scheme or manipulate, making them appear honest and genuine. In contrast, low scorers often feel that some level of manipulation is essential in life, which can make them seem more calculating and shrewd. However, it's important to note that low scorers aren't necessarily lacking in morals; they tend to be more cautious and reserved about revealing the complete truth.

• Altruism refers to a person's degree of selfless concern for others and their readiness to assist them. Those who score high find joy in caring for others and readily offer help without expecting anything in return. In contrast, those with low scores view requests for assistance as intrusive and are more inclined to provide support only if they can benefit from it as well.

• Cooperation-Compliance refers to an individual's inclination to steer clear of confrontation along with their need to give in to others. Individuals with high scores often look for compromise or prioritize others' needs to prevent conflict. In contrast, those with low scores tend to be more confrontational and may resort to pressure or intimidation to achieve their goals.

• Modesty refers to a person's tendency to present themselves in a modest and unpretentious way. Those who score high in this area often feel uneasy claiming superiority over others, even if it's true, and may seem self-effacing. In contrast, low scorers are more comfortable asserting their superiority and can sometimes come off as arrogant or domineering. It's important to understand that humility doesn't indicate a person's self-confidence or actual competence compared to others; instead, it reflects their tendency to appear either modest or superior.

• Sympathy-Compassion refers to a person's tendency to experience sympathy and compassion in their interactions with others. Individuals who score high in this area are empathetic and avoid harsh judgments. In contrast, those with lower scores tend to adopt a more detached perspective, often viewing themselves as more logical and discerning than others. As a result, low scorers may be seen as cynical, while high scorers might be viewed as overly kind-hearted.

Openness to Experience

Openness to experience is the willingness to embrace new and unconventional ideas, values, perspectives, and experiences. Individuals who score high in this trait tend to be imaginative and original, while those with lower scores are often more traditional and practical. In cosmopolitan Western cultures, high openness is frequently celebrated, whereas a low-openness perspective is often viewed as less favorable. However, research indicates that both high and low levels of openness can be advantageous depending on the context; for instance, high openness is beneficial in creative fields and research, while lower openness is often advantageous in roles like accounting, law enforcement, and sales.

Openness to experience is determined by the facets Fantasy; Aesthetic Interest; Emotional Orientation; Experimentation; Intellectualism; and Diversity-Tolerance.

• Fantasy refers to a person's tendency to view their environment through rich mental connections. Those who score high in this area are often imaginative and find the ordinary world uninteresting. As a result, they tend to escape into daydreams and detailed mental images, while individuals with lower scores are more likely to concentrate on the concrete facts and realities around them.

• Aesthetic Interest refers to an individual's tendency to value the beauty in their life experiences. Those who score high are deeply engaged in the beautiful moments they encounter and are likely to invest more time and energy in finding them. In contrast, individuals with lower scores are less influenced by aesthetics and tend to dedicate less time and resources to seeking out beauty.

• Emotional Orientation refers to an individual's level of focus on their own emotions and those of others. People who score high in this area see feelings as a fundamental aspect of life and spend a significant amount of time engaging with emotions. In contrast, those with lower scores tend to be less involved in emotional matters and may view feelings as bothersome or irrational events that shouldn't take precedence.

• Experimentation refers to a person's willingness to explore new experiences. Those who score high often crave novelty and can quickly become bored with routine. In contrast, low scorers prefer familiar settings and are generally more cautious about embracing new trends or fads that don't offer immediate benefits.

• Intellectualism refers to an individual's level of interest in abstract concepts. Those who score high enjoy exploring ideas and often feel excited when they discover new and unconventional thoughts. In contrast, low scorers show little interest in theoretical discussions and prefer concrete facts and tangible things over theories. It's important to understand that intellectualism reflects a person's preferred engagement with abstract ideas, rather than their ability to pursue activities.

• Diversity-Tolerance refers to an individual's tendency to embrace unconventional lifestyles and beliefs, straying from traditional norms and values. Those who score high in this area are open to diverse opinions and ways of living, even if they conflict with their own. In contrast, individuals with lower scores tend to value tradition more and appreciate the stability and sense of community that a common set of values can provide.