Five Factor Model (FFM) of Personality
“The FFM is a conceptual model built around five distinct and basic personality dimensions that appear to be universal for all humans.” This model is important in understanding the relationship between personality and culture. The analysis came about by different questionnaires among various cultures by using both different traits in languages and personality dimensions.
The Five Dimensions are:
1. Openness
2. Conscientiousness
3. Extraversion
4. Agreeableness
5. Neuroticism
The Five Factor Model came about after several researchers found similar personality traits across their studies. Below are the five dimensions in further detail along with examples:
O
| Openness - sometimes called Intellect - (inventive / curious vs. consistent / cautious). |
Openness is a willingness to consider new or unusual ideas.Open people have a general appreciation for art, science, emotion and adventure. They display traits such as a strong imagination, curiosity. The characteristic distinguishes imaginative people from down-to-earth, conventional people. People who are open to experiences are intellectually curious, appreciative of art, and sensitive to beauty. They tend to be, compared to closed people, more creative and more aware of their own feelings. They are more likely to hold unconventional beliefs.
People with low scores on openness tend to have more conventional, traditional interests. They prefer the plain, straightforward, and obvious over the complex, ambiguous, and subtle. They may regard the arts and sciences with suspicion or even view these endeavors as uninteresting. |
C
| Conscientiousness - (efficient / organized vs. easy-going / careless) | Conscientiousness is a tendency to show self-discipline, act dutifully, and aim for achievement. The trait shows a preference for planned rather than spontaneous behaviour. It influences the way in which we control, regulate, and direct our impulses. Conscientiousness includes the factor known as Need for Achievement (NAch). |
E
| Extraversion - (outgoing / energetic vs. shy / reserved). | Extraversion is characterized by positive emotions, surgency, and the tendency to seek out stimulation and the company of others. The trait is marked by pronounced engagement with the external world. Extraverts enjoy the stimulation of other people's ideas and opinions. They often like being with people, and are frequently perceived as full of energy. They tend to be enthusiastic, action-oriented individuals who are likely to say "Yes!" or "Let's go!" to opportunities for excitement. In groups they feel the need to express themselves - to talk, assert themselves, and draw attention to themselves.
Introverts do not have the driving need for external stimulus. They therefore lack the social exuberance and activity levels of extraverts. They tend to seem quiet, low-key, deliberate, and less involved in the social world. Their lack of social involvement should not be interpreted as shyness or depression. Introverts simply need less stimulation than extraverts and more time alone. They may be very active and energetic in many ways, but just not socially.
|
A
| Agreeableness - (friendly / compassionate vs. competitive / outspoken). | Agreeableness is a tendency to be compassionate and cooperative rather than suspicious and antagonistic towards others. The trait reflects concern for social harmony. It is a measurement of the extent to which we put other people’s interests above our own. Some agreeable individuals value getting along with others so much that they are willing to cover up their true feelings in order not to offend someone else (that can be problematic). Agreeable people usually have an optimistic view of human nature - believing people are basically honest, decent, and trustworthy.They are generally viewed as considerate, friendly, generous, helpful, because they are willing to compromise their interests with others.They also are generally empathetic - able to understand how someone else is feeling, and this motivates them to make the other person feel 'better'. Outspoken, tactless individuals place the need to be honest about how they feel above compromising their views just in order to get along with other people. They are generally more concerned with 'being true to themselves' rather than making others feel comfortable. They are therefore unlikely to tell white lies in social situations to make things go smoothly. In fact they can often be blunt and tactless. They are not concerned with 'getting on with others' and making other people feel happy in whatever situation they find themselves in. This does not mean that they care less than the agreeable person - just that they feel being honest about their opinions is the best course of action. This can lead to friction in families and in the workplace, but such people feel that it is better to have problems out in the open rather than covered just up to smooth the path through life. They are less likely to extend themselves for other people as 'being liked and appreciated' is not important to them and so they can appear very selfish. If they do put themselves out for someone it is most likely that they will do so anonimously. Sometimes skepticism about others’ motives causes them to be suspicious, unfriendly, and uncooperative. |
N
| Neuroticism - sometimes referred to as emotional instability - (sensitive / nervous vs. secure / confident). | Neuroticism is the tendency to experience negative emotions, such as anger, anxiety, or depression. It is sometimes called emotional instability. Those who score high in neuroticism are emotionally reactive and vulnerable to stress. They are more likely to interpret ordinary situations as threatening, and minor frustrations as hopelessly difficult. Their negative emotional reactions tend to persist for unusually long periods of time, which means they are often in a bad mood. These problems in emotional regulation can diminish the ability of a person scoring high on neuroticism to think clearly, make decisions, and cope effectively with stress.At the other end of the scale, individuals who score low in neuroticism are less easily upset and are less emotionally reactive. They tend to be calm, emotionally stable, and free from persistent negative feelings. Freedom from negative feelings does not mean that low scorers experience a lot of positive feelings - it just means they don't get those extreme lows! |
This model is a great example of how culture and personality can be seen now-a-days. Knowing someones personality type based on culture can assist many in future decisions, for example this FFM would be a great tool to use with the new DSM-IV in finding needed behavioral diagnosis based on a persons cultural background and personality type.
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