What the Trait Theory Says About Our Personality

Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsDefining TraitAllport’s Trait TheoryCattell’s ModelEysenck’s Dimensions5-Factor TheoryCriticismsFrequently Asked Questions

Table of ContentsView All

View All

Table of Contents

Defining Trait

Allport’s Trait Theory

Cattell’s Model

Eysenck’s Dimensions

5-Factor Theory

Criticisms

Frequently Asked Questions

Close

The trait theory of personality suggests that people have certain basic traits, and it is the strength and intensity of those traits that account for personality differences. The trait approach to personality is one of the major theoretical areas inthe study of personality. Trait theory suggests that individual personalities are composed of broad dispositions.

Keep reading to learn how traits are defined and the different trait theories of personality that have been proposed. We also do a deeper dive into the four trait theories of personality:

What Is a Trait?

A trait is a personality characteristic that meets three criteria: it must be consistent, stable, and vary from person to person.Based on this definition, a trait can be thought of as a relatively stable characteristic that causes individuals to behave in certain ways.

The way psychologists have thought about personality, including how they define traits, has evolved over time. Unlike manyother theories of personality, such as psychoanalytic or humanistic theories, the trait approach to personality is focused on differences between individuals.

The combination and interaction of various traits form a personality that is unique to each person. Trait theory is focused on identifying and measuring these individual personality characteristics.

If someone asked you to describe a close friend’s personality, what kind of things would you say? A few things that might come to mind are descriptive terms such as “outgoing,” “kind” and “even-tempered.” All of these represent personality traits.

Cardinal Traits

Allport suggested thatcardinal traitsare rare and dominating, usually developing later in life. They tend to define a person to such an extent that their names become synonymous with their personality. Examples include descriptive terms such as Machiavellian, narcissistic, Don Juan, and Christ-like.

Do You Have Any of the Dark Triad Personality Traits? Take This Quiz to Find Out

Central Traits

These general characteristics form basic personality foundations. While central traits are not as dominating as cardinal traits, they describe the major characteristics you might use to describe another person. Descriptions such as “intelligent,” “honest,” “shy,” and “anxious” refer to central traits.

Secondary Traits

Secondary traits are sometimes related to attitudes or preferences. They often appear only in certain situations or under specific circumstances. Some examples includepublic speaking anxietyor impatience while waiting in line.

How Attitudes Form

Cattell’s 16-Factor Personality Model

Next, Cattell rated a large sample of individuals for these 171 different traits. Using a statistical technique known asfactor analysis, he identified closely related terms and eventually reduced his list to16 key personality traits. Among them are dominance, perfectionism, reasoning, and self-reliance.

According to Cattell, these 16 traits are the source of all human personalities. He also developed one of the most widely usedpersonality assessments, the 16 Personality Factor Questionnaire.

Eysenck’s 3 Dimensions of Personality

British psychologistHans Eysenckbelieved that personality has a biological basis, developing a model of personality based on just three universal traits.

Introversion/Extraversion

Introversion involves directing attention to inner experiences, while extraversion relates to focusing attention outward, onto other people and the environment.A person high in introversionmight be quiet and reserved, whilean individual high in extraversion(often spelled “extroversion”) might be sociable and outgoing.

Are You an Introvert or Extrovert?

Neuroticism/Emotional Stability

This dimension of Eysenck’s trait theory is related to moodiness versus being even-tempered. Thetrait of neuroticismrefers to an individual’s tendency to become upset or emotional, while stability refers to the tendency to remain emotionally constant.

Psychoticism

Later, after studying individuals with mental illness, Eysenck added a personality dimension he called psychoticism to his trait theory. Individuals who are high in this trait tend to have difficulty dealing with reality andmay be antisocial, hostile, non-empathetic, and manipulative.

Five-Factor Model of Personality

Both Cattell’s and Eysenck’s theories have been the subject of considerable research. This has led some theorists to believe that Cattell focused on too many traits, while Eysenck focused on too few. As a result, a new trait theory often referred to as the “Big Five” theory emerged.

Thisfive-factor model of personalityrepresents five core traits that interact to form human personality.While researchers often disagree about the exact labels for each dimension, they are commonly described as:

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Criticisms of Trait Theory

Most theorists and psychologists agree that people can be described based on their personality traits. Yet, theorists continue to debate the number of basic traits that make up human personality. While trait theory has an objectivity that some personality theories lack (such as Freud’s psychoanalytic theory), it also has weaknesses.

Some of the most common criticisms of trait theory center on the fact that traits are often poor predictors of behavior.While an individual may score high on assessments of a specific trait, they may not always behave that way in every situation. Another problem is that trait theories do not address how or why individual differences in personality develop or emerge.

Final Thoughts

The study of personality and what shapes and influences each person is fascinating. Those who study this field have varying opinions. However, they do build off one another and theorists tend to refine the work of their predecessors, which is common in scientific pursuits.

Frequently Asked QuestionsThis theory states that leaders have certain traits that non-leaders don’t possess. Some of these traits are based on heredity (emergent traits) and others are based on experience (effectiveness traits).Learn More:About the Trait Theory of LeadershipAccording to latent trait theories, these traits are present at or shortly after birth.Examples of latent traits are those related to IQ and impulsivity.The identification of a trait can vary from one researcher to the next. This makes traits difficult to measure when applying this theory. Trait theory also doesn’t explain what causes individuals with a certain trait to behave one way in some situations while behaving a different way in another.The trait theory of personality offers people a way to conceptualize different aspects of personality. This can allow researchers to explore different traits, including how they interact with and impact behavior. It can also help psychologists develop assessments that allow mental health professionals to better understand issues people might be experiencing.

This theory states that leaders have certain traits that non-leaders don’t possess. Some of these traits are based on heredity (emergent traits) and others are based on experience (effectiveness traits).Learn More:About the Trait Theory of Leadership

This theory states that leaders have certain traits that non-leaders don’t possess. Some of these traits are based on heredity (emergent traits) and others are based on experience (effectiveness traits).

Learn More:About the Trait Theory of Leadership

According to latent trait theories, these traits are present at or shortly after birth.Examples of latent traits are those related to IQ and impulsivity.

The identification of a trait can vary from one researcher to the next. This makes traits difficult to measure when applying this theory. Trait theory also doesn’t explain what causes individuals with a certain trait to behave one way in some situations while behaving a different way in another.

The trait theory of personality offers people a way to conceptualize different aspects of personality. This can allow researchers to explore different traits, including how they interact with and impact behavior. It can also help psychologists develop assessments that allow mental health professionals to better understand issues people might be experiencing.

9 SourcesVerywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Fajkowska M, Kreitler S.Status of the trait concept in contemporary personality psychology: Are the old questions still the burning questions?J Personal. 2018;86(1):5-11. doi:10.1111/jopy.12335Worthy LD, Lavigne T, Romero F.Trait theory.Culture and Psychology. Maricopa Community Colleges.Fleeson W, Jayawickreme E.Whole trait theory.J Res Personal. 2015;56:82–92. doi:10.1016/j.jrp.2014.10.009Bunnett ER.16PF, Correlates of. In:Wiley Encyclop Personal Indiv Diff. 2020. doi:10.1002/9781119547174.ch249Soliemanifar O, Soleymanifar A, Afrisham R.Relationship between personality and biological reactivity to stress: A review.Psychiatry Investig. 2018;15(12):1100-1114. doi:10.30773/pi.2018.10.14.2McCrae RR, Sutin AR.A five-factor theory perspective on causal analysis.Eur J Personal. 2018;32(3):151–166. doi:10.1002/per.2134Fleeson W, Jayawickreme E.Whole trait theory.J Res Personal. 2015;56:82-92. doi:10.1016/j.jrp.2014.10.009Khan Z, Nawaz A, Khan I.Leadership theories and styles: A literature review.J Resourc Develop Managem. 2016;16:1-7.Siegel L.Integrated theories: Latent trait and developmental theories (from Criminology, Seventh Edition, P 285-315, 2000, Larry J. Siegel, – See NCJ-185178). U.S. Department of Justice Office of Justice Programs.Additional ReadingAllport GW.Personality: A Psychological Interpretation.Cattell RB.Personality: A Systematic Theoretical and Factual Study, 1st ed. doi:10.1037/10773-000Eysenck HJ.The Structure of Human Personality.McCrae RR, Costa PT.Personality trait structure as a human universal.Am Psychol. 1997:52;509-516. doi:10.1037/0003-066X.52.5.509

9 Sources

Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Fajkowska M, Kreitler S.Status of the trait concept in contemporary personality psychology: Are the old questions still the burning questions?J Personal. 2018;86(1):5-11. doi:10.1111/jopy.12335Worthy LD, Lavigne T, Romero F.Trait theory.Culture and Psychology. Maricopa Community Colleges.Fleeson W, Jayawickreme E.Whole trait theory.J Res Personal. 2015;56:82–92. doi:10.1016/j.jrp.2014.10.009Bunnett ER.16PF, Correlates of. In:Wiley Encyclop Personal Indiv Diff. 2020. doi:10.1002/9781119547174.ch249Soliemanifar O, Soleymanifar A, Afrisham R.Relationship between personality and biological reactivity to stress: A review.Psychiatry Investig. 2018;15(12):1100-1114. doi:10.30773/pi.2018.10.14.2McCrae RR, Sutin AR.A five-factor theory perspective on causal analysis.Eur J Personal. 2018;32(3):151–166. doi:10.1002/per.2134Fleeson W, Jayawickreme E.Whole trait theory.J Res Personal. 2015;56:82-92. doi:10.1016/j.jrp.2014.10.009Khan Z, Nawaz A, Khan I.Leadership theories and styles: A literature review.J Resourc Develop Managem. 2016;16:1-7.Siegel L.Integrated theories: Latent trait and developmental theories (from Criminology, Seventh Edition, P 285-315, 2000, Larry J. Siegel, – See NCJ-185178). U.S. Department of Justice Office of Justice Programs.Additional ReadingAllport GW.Personality: A Psychological Interpretation.Cattell RB.Personality: A Systematic Theoretical and Factual Study, 1st ed. doi:10.1037/10773-000Eysenck HJ.The Structure of Human Personality.McCrae RR, Costa PT.Personality trait structure as a human universal.Am Psychol. 1997:52;509-516. doi:10.1037/0003-066X.52.5.509

Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

Fajkowska M, Kreitler S.Status of the trait concept in contemporary personality psychology: Are the old questions still the burning questions?J Personal. 2018;86(1):5-11. doi:10.1111/jopy.12335Worthy LD, Lavigne T, Romero F.Trait theory.Culture and Psychology. Maricopa Community Colleges.Fleeson W, Jayawickreme E.Whole trait theory.J Res Personal. 2015;56:82–92. doi:10.1016/j.jrp.2014.10.009Bunnett ER.16PF, Correlates of. In:Wiley Encyclop Personal Indiv Diff. 2020. doi:10.1002/9781119547174.ch249Soliemanifar O, Soleymanifar A, Afrisham R.Relationship between personality and biological reactivity to stress: A review.Psychiatry Investig. 2018;15(12):1100-1114. doi:10.30773/pi.2018.10.14.2McCrae RR, Sutin AR.A five-factor theory perspective on causal analysis.Eur J Personal. 2018;32(3):151–166. doi:10.1002/per.2134Fleeson W, Jayawickreme E.Whole trait theory.J Res Personal. 2015;56:82-92. doi:10.1016/j.jrp.2014.10.009Khan Z, Nawaz A, Khan I.Leadership theories and styles: A literature review.J Resourc Develop Managem. 2016;16:1-7.Siegel L.Integrated theories: Latent trait and developmental theories (from Criminology, Seventh Edition, P 285-315, 2000, Larry J. Siegel, – See NCJ-185178). U.S. Department of Justice Office of Justice Programs.

Fajkowska M, Kreitler S.Status of the trait concept in contemporary personality psychology: Are the old questions still the burning questions?J Personal. 2018;86(1):5-11. doi:10.1111/jopy.12335

Worthy LD, Lavigne T, Romero F.Trait theory.Culture and Psychology. Maricopa Community Colleges.

Fleeson W, Jayawickreme E.Whole trait theory.J Res Personal. 2015;56:82–92. doi:10.1016/j.jrp.2014.10.009

Bunnett ER.16PF, Correlates of. In:Wiley Encyclop Personal Indiv Diff. 2020. doi:10.1002/9781119547174.ch249

Soliemanifar O, Soleymanifar A, Afrisham R.Relationship between personality and biological reactivity to stress: A review.Psychiatry Investig. 2018;15(12):1100-1114. doi:10.30773/pi.2018.10.14.2

McCrae RR, Sutin AR.A five-factor theory perspective on causal analysis.Eur J Personal. 2018;32(3):151–166. doi:10.1002/per.2134

Fleeson W, Jayawickreme E.Whole trait theory.J Res Personal. 2015;56:82-92. doi:10.1016/j.jrp.2014.10.009

Khan Z, Nawaz A, Khan I.Leadership theories and styles: A literature review.J Resourc Develop Managem. 2016;16:1-7.

Siegel L.Integrated theories: Latent trait and developmental theories (from Criminology, Seventh Edition, P 285-315, 2000, Larry J. Siegel, – See NCJ-185178). U.S. Department of Justice Office of Justice Programs.

Allport GW.Personality: A Psychological Interpretation.Cattell RB.Personality: A Systematic Theoretical and Factual Study, 1st ed. doi:10.1037/10773-000Eysenck HJ.The Structure of Human Personality.McCrae RR, Costa PT.Personality trait structure as a human universal.Am Psychol. 1997:52;509-516. doi:10.1037/0003-066X.52.5.509

Allport GW.Personality: A Psychological Interpretation.

Cattell RB.Personality: A Systematic Theoretical and Factual Study, 1st ed. doi:10.1037/10773-000

Eysenck HJ.The Structure of Human Personality.

McCrae RR, Costa PT.Personality trait structure as a human universal.Am Psychol. 1997:52;509-516. doi:10.1037/0003-066X.52.5.509

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