Essence of the trait theory
Most theories are focused on understanding the development of personality, but trait theories are usually not focused on development. Unlike many of the other theories of personality, such as psychoanalytic or humanistic theories, the trait approach is focused on differences between individuals. The combination of various traits forms a personality that is unique to each individual. The trait theory is focused on identifying and measuring these individual personality characteristics. There are several trait theorists and theories:
Gordon Allport's trait theory
In 1936, Gordon Allport found that one English-language dictionary contained over 4,000 words that described personality traits. He categorized these traits into three levels:
- Cardinal Traits: These are the traits that dominate an individual's whole life. People are usually known for these traits.
- Central Traits: These are the general characteristics that form the basic foundations of personality. Central traits are usually used to describe another person.
- Secondary Traits: These are the traits that are sometimes related to attitudes or preferences and often appear only in certain situations or under specific circumstances. :
Eysenck's three dimensions of personality
Hans Eysenck developed a model of personality based on three universal traits:
- Introversion/Extraversion: Introversion involves directing attention on inner experiences. Extraversion relates to focusing attention on other people or the environment.
- Neuroticism/Emotional Stability: This dimension is focused on an individual's tendency to become either upset and emotional or remain emotionally constant.
- Psychoticism: Individuals high on this trait tend to have difficulty dealing with reality and may be antisocial, hostile, and manipulative.
Cattell's sixteen personality factors
Raymond Cattell reduced the number of Allport's main traits to 16 key personality traits. According to Cattell, these 16 traits are the source of all human personality. He also developed one of the most widely used personality assessments which is known as the Sixteen Personality Factor Questionnaire.
The Five-factor theory of personality
The Big Five theory emerged because some theorists believed that Cattell focused on too many traits while Eysenck focused on too little. This model of personality reflects the following five core traits:
- Extraversion
- Agreeableness
- Conscientiousness
- Neuroticism
- Openness
Assessing traits
Psychologists use personality inventories to assess traits. Personality inventories are long questionnaires covering a wide range of feelings and behaviors that are designed to assess several traits at once. Some personality inventories profile a person's behavior patterns, often providing quick assessments of a single trait. In contrast to projective tests, personality inventories are scored objectively.
The classic personality inventory is the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI). The MMPI illustrates a good way of developing a personality inventory. Its identifying items were empirically derived. From a large pool of items, Starke and his colleagues selected items on which particular diagnostic groups differed. Then they grouped the questions into 10 clinical scales. Starke Hathaway was one of the main creators of the MMPI. The objectivity of the MMPI has contribute to its popularity.
The classic personality inventory is the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI). The MMPI illustrates a good way of developing a personality inventory. Its identifying items were empirically derived. From a large pool of items, Starke and his colleagues selected items on which particular diagnostic groups differed. Then they grouped the questions into 10 clinical scales. Starke Hathaway was one of the main creators of the MMPI. The objectivity of the MMPI has contribute to its popularity.
criticisms of trait theory
- Poor predictor of future behaviors: The trait theory fails to address a person's state or the temporary way of interacting with the self and others.
- Does not address development: Because it is based on statistics rather than theory, it provides no explanation of personality development. The trait theory is focused on the present.
- No means of change: It provides no guidance in the changing of negative aspects of a trait.