The Trait Theory Of Personality Essay - 778 Words

ESSAY TOPIC: Describe the trait theory of personality. Select one â€Å"factor† or â€Å"trait† from a prominent trait theory and discuss the relative strengths and weaknesses of someone who strongly exhibits this trait. 1. Introduction Traits are described as the unique and constant characteristic tendencies that shape and influence a person’s mood and behaviour (Ewen 2013, p. 110; Olesen, Thomsen O’Toole 2015, p. 45). Prominent personality psychologists Gordon Allport, authored the first American review of psychological literature on personality and character in 1921, citing numerous sources that involved trait concepts (Barenbaum Winter 2008, p. 3). Notably, personality psychologists Gordon Allport, Raymond Cattell and Hans Eysenck made important contributions towards the understanding of personality traits that continue to influence modern trait theory (Barenbaum Winter 2008, p. 12). Drawing from the work of these theorists, Paul Costa and Robert McCrae developed the widely accepted Five Factor Theory (FFT) (Ewen 2013, p. 140; John, Naumann Soto 2008, p. 120). Neuroticism is one of the basic factors of personality featuring in several trait theories, including the FFT. Further, numerous studies have shown a significant link between negative mental health outcomes and high levels of neuroticism (Lahey 2009, p. 241 242). This essay will discuss the trait theory of personality and the outcomes for people who strongly exhibit neuroticism. 2. Body: Prominent personalityShow MoreRelatedPersonality Traits And Theories Of Personality1513 Words   |  7 PagesThe term personality has been defined several times in different ways throughout the history of psychology. 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