Big Five personality traits: what they are and how to use them

Many contemporary researchers believe in a concept known as the Big Five personality traits. This theory suggests that five core personality traits comprise people’s personalities. These specific traits are thought to remain relatively stable throughout your life.

Psychologists believe some of these personality traits are biological, but your environment can influence them over time. Personal development plans can target these traits and support your growth. However, being aware of these basic traits can help you better understand your own personality and the way you interact with the world. 

Each of these traits represents a spectrum of extremes in personality psychology. For example, extraversion represents a continuum between extreme extraversion and extreme introversion. Most people lie somewhere in between. This spectrum creates flexibility for trait variations among people, unlike other trait theories that stick with rigid categories.

The five-factor model of personality, also known as the Big Five Model or Big Five Inventory, began with research pioneered by American psychologist Gordon Allport in 1927. Allport theorized that human personality traits could be categorized into three classes. 

His work set the stage for decades of personality research, ultimately leading to the Big Five factors known today. Other influential personality psychologists who played a role include Lewis Goldberg, D. W. Fiske, Robert McCrae, and Paul Costa Jr.

The importance of the Big Five personality traits is that they can help create increased self-awareness. These traits can give you insight into different personality types, and you can use this knowledge to better understand your unique characteristics, behaviors, and interpersonal relationships. 

Understanding each Big Five personality trait

The five dimensions of personality can provide insight into individual differences in people’s attitudes and preferences. This awareness can help you better manage your social interactions in both professional and personal environments. 

While many researchers agree that there are five core personality traits, they don’t always agree on the labels of each. Here are the most commonly referenced traits within this theory of personality and what they mean.

Agreeableness

Agreeableness is a trait that describes how well you interact and get along with others. People who are agreeable value social harmony and the needs of those around them. Disagreeable people tend to focus more on their own problems and gains.

Individuals who score high on the agreeable side of the continuum are often described with words like these:

• Kind
• Warm
• Polite
• Friendly
• Honest
• Cooperative
• Trustworthy
• Optimistic

For example, if you are agreeable, you might support someone else’s ideas even if you aren’t entirely comfortable with them. While agreeableness is typically considered a positive personality trait, it may not benefit you if you always sacrifice your needs and happiness for others. You might also put your own desires on the back burner to please someone else.

Conscientiousness

Conscientiousness refers to how well you self-regulate your impulses and self-control. Conscientious people are typically goal-oriented and desire to do things well. They take ownership of their responsibilities and show characteristics of being highly determined.

Conscientious individuals may display traits similar to those seen in people with a Type A personality, such as the following:

• Diligent
• Responsible
• Careful
• Self-disciplined
• Organized
• Efficient
• Thorough
• Meticulous

On the opposite end of the spectrum, unconscientious people may be less attentive and less reliable about meeting deadlines. They may share the characteristics of a Type B personality, described as being easygoing and flexible. Many people fall somewhere in between the two extremes.

Extraversion

Extraversion, also known as extroversion, describes how energetic and social someone is in connecting with others. An extrovert is often referred to as a “people person.” 

People who fit this description typically draw their energy from being in social situations. Words used to describe extraverts include the following:

• Outgoing
• Talkative
• Expressive
• Assertive
• Unreserved
• Gregarious
• Animated
• Social
• Excitable

On the opposite end of the spectrum, introversion describes people who are shier and more reserved. Introverts are more focused on their own thoughts and feelings than on sociability and external things.

For example, if you’re an introvert, you might prefer to spend the night at home reading a book than going to a party. An extrovert, on the other hand, may rather be around people than spend time alone.

Openness

Openness, also called openness to experience, is a personality trait that describes how open you are to new ideas and situations. People who score high on openness have a curiosity about the world and are eager to learn new things. Openness is also a significant predictor of intelligence. 

Words that may describe someone who is open include the following:

• Imaginative
• Creative
• Insightful
• Open-minded
• Receptive
• Understanding
• Amenable

People who score low on the openness scale are less tolerant of new experiences. They may also be more stubborn, opinionated, and rigid in their thinking.

Some toxic traits associated with being too closed-minded include being judgmental and argumentative.

Neuroticism

Neuroticism correlates with how well you handle your emotions and attitude. Highly neurotic people may have limited emotional regulation skills and experience emotional instability. They tend to default to negative emotions like anxiety, depression, and self-doubt.

High neuroticism can negatively affect your health and well-being. Individuals who are neurotic generate more stress. They are also more reactive to stressors, which they view as more threatening and less controllable than those with low neuroticism. 

People who are neurotic may be described as the following:

• Restless
• Paranoid
• Worried
• Irritable

If you fall on the extreme opposite end of the neurotic spectrum, people may describe you as more numb or stoic. You likely have more emotional stability and fewer mood swings. Less extreme levels of neuroticism may characterize you as calm and at peace.

What does your Big Five personality taxonomy indicate about you? 

Understanding where you fall on the spectrum for each Big Five personality trait can help give you a leg up in your career, relationships, and personal growth. Here’s an example of how this awareness can help you improve in these three areas.

• At work: If you know yourself to be less conscientious, you can engage in personality development activities to help you stay more organized. For example, you could challenge yourself to write down every work task and its due date for 30 days. This practice might help you stay on top of deadlines and become more reliable to your team.
• In relationships: If you know you are less open-minded, try bringing that knowledge into your relationships. The next time you find yourself quickly shooting down an idea, challenge yourself to listen and consider the pros. This awareness can help your partner, friends, or loved ones feel more heard, leading to more effective communication.
• Personal growth: If you know you’re highly agreeable, challenge yourself to speak up for one thing you need or want this week. This might push you out of your comfort zone but can lead to a healthier balance of considering both your needs and the needs of others.

Taking the Big Five personality test

If you aren’t sure where you fall on the spectrum for certain traits, try taking the Big Five personality inventory. Answering the questionnaire can help you identify areas for self-improvement. It might help you realize some habits you didn’t know you had. 

Because personalities are so important in a professional setting, you may be offered this personality assessment as one of several workplace personality tests. Learning about the Big Five personality traits in the workplace can create a culture of understanding. It can also inform your colleagues about the best ways to communicate with you and vice versa.

While personality tests can be helpful, they aren’t a replacement for professional help when you need it. If you think you may benefit from additional outside support, consider working with a life coach or mental health professional.

Using your Big Five personality results to live a better life

Once you have your test results, it’s time to put your Big Five personality traits to use. Here are a few ways you can use your results to enhance your life experiences:

• Increase your career satisfaction: Capitalize on your strengths while acknowledging your weaknesses. For example, if your strengths are openness and conscientiousness, set career goals that speak to these or your strongest personality traits.
• Improve your stress management: Depending on your level of neuroticism, you can use the results to consider your current stress level and develop stress management techniques that work for you.
• Develop better conflict resolution skills: Use your test results to determine where you might be least agreeable or open-minded. Challenge yourself to consider other points of view and practice these skills in your relationships.
• Meet your social needs: If you’re an extrovert but don’t spend much time around people, consider changing that. Try joining a club based on your interests or taking a job that requires excellent social skills. If you’re an introvert who gets overwhelmed with social interaction, consider where you can carve out some alone time to recharge.
• Propel your career goals: Conscientiousness correlates with successfully setting and achieving your goals. If you’re low on this trait, consider what external factors may motivate you. Challenge yourself to create a goal schedule and stick with it. Practice being less flexible when you make a commitment.

Apply your Big Five personality traits to change for the better

The Big Five personality traits can guide you in making better decisions to improve your professional and personal life. Acknowledging areas where you excel or need improvement can increase your communication skills and lead to greater life satisfaction.

Working with a BetterUp Coach can help you develop targeted plans to enhance your well-being and performance. Start growing with a BetterUp Coach to discover your Big Five personality traits and improve your life.