Personality Types

I’VE received responses about my previous columns on introversion and extroversion that made me question the other types of possible personality traits that could affect our mental health. Some of you do not identify or relate with either introversion or extroversion and that may be because you fit in with one of the others I’m about to talk about.

Many of us need a minute to think when we are asked to describe who we are. Things like our family names, jobs, hobbies, religion and culture tend to come to mind. While these are certainly important factors, what makes you unique and who you are is your personality. No two people will ever be the same simply because of personality which is our individual differences that encompass traits, characteristics and specific thoughts, behavioural and emotional patterns.

I’ve done tons of research which led me to believe in (and want to share) Robert McCrae and Paul Costa’s theory of the Five Factor Model (FFM), also called the ‘The Big Five.’ This theory suggests that there are only five broad categories which people fit into (some on a continuum scale) and within each of these 5, there are specific traits that make us who we are as individuals.

1. OPENNESS TO EXPERIENCE.
This is exactly what it sounds like – those with this personality type are more willing, happy and excited to try new things that are in or out of their comfort zone. These individuals tend to be more open-minded, non-judgemental and tolerant towards other beliefs and cultures, typically believing in and standing for peace and equality. They are open and accepting of emotions- not afraid of showing their own.

They enjoy travelling and experiences of different ways of life. This tends to mean they are adventurous, independent, and curious and generally okay with being vulnerable. They aren’t ones for routines or predictability and tend to have high levels of intelligence and imagination. These individuals are also more likely to enjoy the arts such as galleries, musicals, live shows, movies and are typically creative themselves.

2. CONSCIENTIOUSNESS
Those who fall under this category do things thoroughly, with a high effort in effective planning and morality; being aware of important actions and their consequences.
They tend to be more hardworking, responsible, dependable and determined than the general population. This typically results in high levels of adaptability and resilience.
Self-discipline, organisation and motivation are mastered with an emphasis on creating and obtaining goals.

We all know people in this category – those that always work hard, are always prepared, do not procrastinate, play by the rules and succeed in achieving their goals.
Little tip: research shows that raising children with affection rather than harsh discipline will more likely result in them being conscientious.

3. EXTRAVERSION
As I mentioned last week, extraverts are the most outgoing personality type. These individuals enjoy and gain energy from social situations that may make others uncomfortable. They are typically confident with high self-esteem. Instead of differentiating completely between introversion and extroversion, the Five Factor Model measures them both on a continuum scale within extroversion. A brief reminder- introverts are the opposite to extroverts in the sense where they are usually quiet, prefer alone time and may be uncomfortable after long periods of socialisation (or any at all). This model puts introversion on one end of the same spectrum with extroversion on the other. They identified those who fall somewhere in the middle as ambiverts.

4. AGREEABLENESS
Individuals in this category are friendly, compassionate, affectionate, patient and overall just very likeable and respected. They are typically very kind, humble, charitable and genuinely enjoy helping others. They dislike conflict and confrontation but rather aim to please or pacify those around them. This means that they tend to be forgiving, well-mannered and well-tempered which results in better relationships than most. Agreeableness is a type that tends to remain throughout lives and sometimes increases with age. However, people in this category often put others before themselves; do not forget the importance of self-care.

5. NEUROTICISM
Those who are neurotic have issues dealing with stress and are often negative; looking at the glass half- empty. This category is also measured on a continuum scale ranging from emotional stability on one end to emotional instability (neuroticism) on the other.
Individuals here frequently worry and experience unwanted emotions such as anger, shame and hurt easier than others. They over-think, are extremely self-conscious and often focus on negative possibilities and outcomes. Additionally, they practice unhealthy ways of coping, occasionally leading to anxiety, depression and substance abuse. They are often described as moody, nervous/anxious, jealous, insecure, sensitive or unstable – all because they are uncomfortable in their own skin.

Now, our genetics, upbringing, environment, as well as life experiences, all influence the development and growth of personality. However, this doesn’t mean that you can’t make changes in certain traits that you aren’t happy with.
If you are not sure how to define yourself, the five-factor model is a good place to start.
As those who are aware of who they are and as important, comfortable with it have better mental health.

Thanking you for reading. Please keep sending any topics you’d like to talk about to caitlinvieira@gmail.com
Say Yes to Life and No to Drugs! Always!
Suicide Prevention Helpline – 223-0001, 223-0009, 623-4444 or 600-7896
Do not be afraid to reach out!

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