Big Five Personality Traits
The dominant scientific model of personality measuring five broad dimensions: Openness, Conscientiousness, Extraversion, Agreeableness, and Neuroticism (OCEAN).
Also known as: OCEAN Model, Five-Factor Model, FFM, Big 5, CANOE
Category: Psychology & Mental Models
Tags: personality, psychology, assessments, self-discovery, science, research, careers
Explanation
The Big Five personality traits, also known as the Five-Factor Model (FFM) or OCEAN model, represents the most empirically validated framework in personality psychology. Unlike type-based systems, the Big Five measures traits on continuous spectrums.
**The Five Dimensions:**
**1. Openness to Experience**
Reflects imagination, curiosity, and preference for novelty versus routine. High scorers are creative, adventurous, and intellectually curious. Low scorers prefer familiarity, practicality, and conventional approaches.
**2. Conscientiousness**
Measures self-discipline, organization, and goal-directed behavior. High scorers are reliable, hardworking, and detail-oriented. Low scorers are more spontaneous, flexible, and may struggle with follow-through.
**3. Extraversion**
Captures energy from social interaction and external stimulation. High scorers are outgoing, energetic, and talkative. Low scorers (introverts) prefer quieter, less stimulating environments.
**4. Agreeableness**
Reflects concern for social harmony and cooperation. High scorers are trusting, helpful, and compassionate. Low scorers are more competitive, skeptical, and prioritize self-interest.
**5. Neuroticism (vs. Emotional Stability)**
Measures tendency toward negative emotions and emotional reactivity. High scorers experience more anxiety, mood swings, and stress. Low scorers are calm, resilient, and emotionally stable.
**Why it matters:**
- Strong predictive validity for job performance, health outcomes, and life satisfaction
- Traits are relatively stable after age 30 but can change with effort
- Conscientiousness and emotional stability are the strongest predictors of career success
- Understanding your profile helps with career fit, relationship dynamics, and personal development
The Big Five is preferred by researchers over MBTI because scores are normally distributed, show good test-retest reliability, and predict real-world outcomes.
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