OCEAN Model - Big Five Personality Traits

1) Openness to Experience
Sometimes called intellect or imagination, this represents the willingness to try new things and think outside the box. Traits include insightfulness, originality and curiosity.
High openness: more likely to major inhumanities; change careers in midlife; perform better in job training programs; play a musical instrument.

2) Conscientiousness
The desire to be careful, diligent and to regulate immediate gratification with self-discipline. Traits include ambition, discipline, consistency and reliability.
High conscientiousness: more sexually faithful to spouses; higher job ratings; smoke less, drink less, drive more safely, live longer, less risk for Alzheimer’s disease (89% less); play musical instrument.

3) Extroversion
A state where an individual draws energy from others and seeks social connections or interaction, as opposed to being alone (introversion). Traits include being outgoing, energetic and confident.

4) Agreeableness
The measure of how an individual interacts with others, characterized by degree of compassion and co-operation. Traits include tactfulness, kindness and loyalty.

5) Neuroticism
A tendency towards negative personality traits, emotional instability and self-destructive thinking. Traits include pessimism, anxiety, insecurity and fearfulness.
High neuroticism: pay more attention to threat in environment; more stress when given surprise math test; higher divorce rate; more susceptible to depression and anxiety.