Would you know where to start if someone asked you to describe yourself? Personality is complicated, but psychologists have developed five key factors to assess it — represented by the acronym OCEAN:
- Openness
- Conscientiousness
- Extroversion
- Agreeableness
- Neuroticism
Let’s explore each of these five personality traits and identify signs that show whether you score high or low in each area.
1. Openness
Do you enjoy creativity and new experiences?
Signs of High Openness:
- You prefer and embrace abstract concepts and thinking.
- You enjoy creative endeavors and innovation.
- You enjoy trying new activities and hobbies.
Signs of Low Openness:
- You prefer solid facts over abstract ideas.
- You value tradition and consistency.
- You are rigid in your routines and practices.
2. Conscientiousness
Are you organized, goal-focused, and responsible?
Signs of High Conscientiousness:
- You're schedule-oriented and focused on goals.
- You pay attention to detail and manage the small stuff.
- You plan for the future and prepare for challenges.
Signs of Low Conscientiousness:
- You tend to be disorganized and cluttered.
- You act carelessly and impulsively.
- You procrastinate and leave things until the last minute.
3. Extroversion
Do you thrive in social settings and enjoy being around others?
Signs of High Extroversion:
- You enjoy being the center of attention.
- You're people-oriented in most situations.
- You often speak before thinking.
Signs of Low Extroversion (Introversion):
- You prefer solitude or small gatherings.
- You're drained by too much socialization.
- You think carefully before speaking.
4. Agreeableness
Are you kind, compassionate, and cooperative with others?
Signs of High Agreeableness:
- You enjoy forming connections with others.
- You're empathetic and compassionate.
- You contribute positively to your community.
Signs of Low Agreeableness:
- You're callous and indifferent to others.
- You may be bitter or antisocial.
- You manipulate others for personal gain.
5. Neuroticism
How do you handle stress and emotional situations?
Signs of High Neuroticism:
- You're moody and emotionally reactive.
- You have a low tolerance for stress.
- You're often on high alert or anxious.
Signs of Low Neuroticism:
- You're calm and collected, even under stress.
- You're easygoing and relaxed.
- You're emotionally and mentally stable.
Conclusion
Personality is complex, but the OCEAN model offers a great starting point for self-reflection.
- Which areas do you score high or low in?
- How does your personality affect your daily life?
Everyone is unique, and your answers may vary.
Vocabulary List
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personality
🔊: the combination of characteristics or qualities that form an individual's distinctive character.
- Example: She has a very outgoing personality.
- Example: Your personality traits can influence your career choice.
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acronym
🔊: an abbreviation formed from the initial letters of other words and pronounced as a word.
- Example: NASA is an acronym for National Aeronautics and Space Administration.
- Example: OCEAN is an acronym for the five major personality traits.
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openness
🔊: the quality of being accessible or approachable; here, specifically referring to being open to new ideas and experiences.
- Example: Her openness to new ideas made her a great innovator.
- Example: High openness is often linked to creativity.
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conscientiousness
🔊: the quality of wishing to do one's work or duty well and thoroughly.
- Example: His conscientiousness helped him succeed in his studies.
- Example: Being organized is a sign of high conscientiousness.
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extroversion
🔊: the act, state, or habit of being predominantly concerned with and obtaining gratification from what is outside the self.
- Example: Her extroversion means she loves social gatherings.
- Example: People with high extroversion are often described as talkative.
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agreeableness
🔊: the quality of being pleasant and willing to fit in with other people's wishes.
- Example: His agreeableness made him a popular team member.
- Example: Empathy is a key aspect of agreeableness.
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neuroticism
🔊: a personality trait characterized by anxiety, moodiness, worry, envy, and jealousy.
- Example: High neuroticism can make it difficult to handle stress.
- Example: People with low neuroticism are usually calm and relaxed.
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abstract concepts
🔊: ideas that are not concrete or physical, but rather theoretical or imaginative.
- Example: Philosophy often deals with abstract concepts like justice and truth.
- Example: People with high openness enjoy exploring abstract concepts.
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procrastinate
🔊: to delay or postpone action; put off doing something.
- Example: I always procrastinate when it comes to doing my taxes.
- Example: Low conscientiousness can lead to a tendency to procrastinate.
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solitude
🔊: the state or situation of being alone.
- Example: She enjoys periods of solitude for reading and reflection.
- Example: Introverts often prefer solitude over large crowds.
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empathetic
🔊: showing an ability to understand and share the feelings of another.
- Example: An empathetic person can truly understand what others are going through.
- Example: Being empathetic is a sign of high agreeableness.
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callous
🔊: showing or having an insensitive and cruel disregard for others.
- Example: His callous remarks upset everyone.
- Example: A lack of empathy can make someone seem callous.