Big Five Personality Test - Module 3 Journal
I chose the trait agreeableness because I scored high in that category and found the negative outcomes associated with a high raw score interesting. I agree with the assessment as stated on The Big Five Personality Test, as I view myself as kind, considerate, and empathetic. And although not desirable, I think my high agreeableness does make me less assertive than I would like to be, as high levels of this trait tend to show. I often find myself looking back on a situations and thinking of the way I wish I handled it, instead of staying quiet. I opted for the adaptability area because I think it is the area I am strongest in. I think the key to adapting to new situations is being open, able to listen and cooperate, and able to compromise, all traits that align with higher levels of agreeableness. These skills all encourage a growth mindset, which is necessary to achieve adaptability (Big Five Personality Test, 2019).
· Identify one trait from the Big Five that you would like to improve and explain why. Your response should be 2 to 5 sentences in length. Consider the following in your response:
o Where do you see evidence of this trait in your behaviors?
o What behavior would you like to see?
I would love to improve on my levels of extroversion. Higher levels of this trait are characterized by assertiveness, being talkative, energetic, outgoing, and seeking out social interaction and stimuli (Big Five Personality Test, 2019). These are all characteristics that I admire but am sadly lacking in. In fact, I am quite the opposite and would describe myself as being shy, quiet, and avoidant of social interactions. As with low extroversion, I hate being the center of attention and making small talk, which makes many situations uncomfortable for me (Big Five Personality Test, 2019). I would like to become better at navigating social situations and gain confidence in social settings. Not having these skills interferes with developing relationships and causes me discomfort and anxiety, as all social situations are impossible to avoid.
· Identify one trait from the Big Five that you think helps you cope with challenging situations and provide an example. Your response should be 2 to 5 sentences in length.
I believe my emotional stability is very helpful in dealing with challenging situations. My high emotional stability, characterized by being able to remain calm and be emotionally resilient, as well as cope with stress and adversity, helps me every day when dealing with my children (Big Five Personality Test, 2019). I find that on the occasions when my kids need to be reprimanded, an overly emotional reaction from me is not helpful. Staying calm, addressing the situation, and moving on as opposed to staying angry, makes our interactions more productive and leads to a healthier, happier relationship.
· Identify one trait from the Big Five that you think is particularly important for your current or desired profession and justify your response. Your response should be 2 to 5 sentences length.
I think the conscientious trait would be the most helpful for my current profession of being a student, and my desired profession of becoming a speech therapist. To excel in academics and in any profession, being hardworking, well-organized, and motivated is a great asset. People who score high in this trait are reliable, efficient, and have better job performance, which all correlate to being successful in any chosen profession (Big Five Personality Test, 2019).
· Your textbook describes which personality traits are most important to employers: conscientiousness followed by agreeableness. Provide one reason why these traits would be desirable in an organizational setting and one reason why they would not. Your response should be 2 to 5 sentences in length.
Being conscientious and agreeable are desirable to employers, but either trait can be helpful or a hindrance in an organizational setting. In this setting, agreeableness is a sought-after trait, as people with this trait are good communicators, a necessary skill for most occupations (Loker, 2022). People with higher levels of this trait are quick to learn through interactions with others and teamwork, which often occurs in an organizational setting. However, this trait can be undesirable as it also means avoiding conflict, which can mean speaking up even when it is in the organization’s interest (Loker, 2022). Also, studies have shown people who score high in agreeableness earn less money and receive fewer promotions, as they may find it difficult to negotiate and advocate for themselves (Asplund, n.d).
Conscientiousness is the most sought-after trait by employers and can certainly be an asset. This trait is characterized by reliability, punctuality, and low levels of absenteeism, which any organization would desire (Le, 2017). But for people who are highly conscientious, this trait can be problematic, as the individual has a difficult time improvising and is more likely to experience burnout (Le, 2017).
· Describe at least one limitation of trait theory when it comes to characterizing a person or their behavior. Your response should be 2 to 5 sentences in length.
o Consider topics related to social justice issues, such as gender and atavism.
The trait theory does a great job of identifying and measuring traits, highlighting the differences between people’s personalities (Shiraev, 2017). However, one limitation of the trait theory is the inability to explain how and why personality traits develop, which means we are unable to make predictions about behavior (Shiraev, 2017). The discovery of how and why would be monumental and would help address an array of issues. It would be a useful tool for identifying people who are likely to commit crimes and preventing them. It could enable us to recognize the personality type likely to bully or commit domestic abuse, and create intervention programs before these events occur. Although there has been some effort to correlate certain traits with certain acts, such as crimes committed, much more work needs to be done on this front (Shiraev, 2017).
· Considering that the traits are on a continuum, describe the extent to which you think you can change your traits over time. Your response should be 2 to 5 sentences in length.
Before reading this chapter, I answered this question very differently. Now, after reading Allport’s theory, I do not believe that people’s traits significantly change. I think the cardinal, central, and secondary trait explanation is very accurate (Shiraev, 2017). When someone is exhibiting a secondary trait in contrast to their cardinal trait, this may appear to be a trait change, but is not. Humans are very complicated beings and although we have the propensity towards certain traits, we all possess the ability to vary along a spectrum of traits. I don’t view it as real change, such as gaining or losing a trait, but more like shifting our location on the spectrum temporarily.
References –
Asplund, K. (n.d.). Guide to The Big Five: Agreeableness Explained. Www.alvalabs.io; Alva Labs. Retrieved November 8, 2023, from https://www.alvalabs.io/blog/alva-guide-to-the-big-five-agreeableness-explained
Le, T. (2020, May 17). The Pros And Cons Of Conscientiousness. Journey into the Human Minds; Our Human Minds. https://ourhumanminds.com/2020/05/17/the-many-facets-of-conscientiousness-pros-and-cons/
Loker, E. (2022, June 16). Agreeableness and Job Performance: The Secret to Success? Discussing Psychology; Discussing Psychology. https://www.discussingpsychology.com/agreeableness/agreeableness-and-job-performance-whats-the-link/
Open-Source Psychometrics Project. (2019). Big Five Personality Test. Open-Source Psychometrics Project; Open Psychometrics. https://openpsychometrics.org/tests/IPIP-BFFM/
Shiraev, E. (2017). Personality Theories: a Global View. Sage. https://ereader.perlego.com/1/book/2034417/16
This activity was so interesting and I recommend everyone go online to take the Big Five Personality Test. This is relevant to the programmatic theme of self-care. I took time to reflect on each question in the test and answered honestly. Upon reading my results, I was astonished how accurately it described my personality, both my strengths and weaknesses. Reading the qualities of being high and low in each trait, such as openness and conscientiousness, made me want to make some improvements. I am working towards being more assertive and less avoidant and although it is difficult to step outside my comfort zone, it is part of my self-care. I encourage everyone to take the time for self-care, be honest with yourself, and if you don't like something you are seeing, put in the work to improve it.
Introverts & Extroverts - Module 3 Activity
o Do you think people can exhibit both introverted and extroverted traits, depending on the situation? Justify your response.
Through simple observation, one is often able to determine if an individual is introverted or extroverted. For example, extroverts are talkative, energetic, would be the first to volunteer to lead a project, and freely offer their opinions and insight (Introverts vs. Extroverts in the Workplace , 2020). They thrive in an open work area and prefer face to face conversations. Introverts would be more likely to send an email, are more comfortable working independently, would not easily volunteer, and are more likely to spend their free time (breaks/lunch) alone (Introverts vs. Extroverts in the Workplace , 2020). In a meeting, introverts like to listen and take notes, offering opinions after having time to reflect.
I think we all have the capability to act in a variety of ways given the right situation. An extrovert can have a day where they are feeling down, or preoccupied, and behave like an introvert for a time. Shifts like this are possible, but they will return to their natural tendency as an extrovert. Introverts can appear to be an extrovert when their mood and environment permits, but this is not a personality change, merely a state, not a trait (Lazarus, 2017).
· Describe the benefits of having introverted or extroverted managers or teachers. Your response should be 3 to 5 sentences in length. Include the following in your response:
o Be sure to list a benefit of having an introverted manager and a benefit of having an extroverted manager.
o Consider how you would approach building a relationship with a manager or teacher that exhibits different extroversion traits than you do.
There can be different benefits to having a manager that is either introverted or extroverted. Depending on if you are an introvert or an extrovert, you may have a different experience with the manager. Extroverted leaders are charismatic, energetic, natural leaders (Gino, 2015). If you are an extrovert, you will enjoy the more frequent meetings and brainstorming sessions that extrovert managers tend to create (Hilmantel, 2016). But, as an introvert, this would be a negative as you prefer solitary, structured work. An extroverted leader is passionate and inspiring, which introverts and extroverts can find beneficial.
An introverted manager encourages employees to contribute ideas and opinions, and will put thoughtful consideration into other’s suggestions, which is positive for both personality types. Employees will also benefit from an introverted manager as they are good listeners and empathetic (Introverts and Extroverts in the Workplace, 2020).
If it were necessary to build a relationship with an extroverted manager, I think I would have a hard time. Since meetings or large groups can be intimidating to me, I would frequently check in with my boss when they were alone, in an effort to build rapport. Since introversion can be misinterpreted as not being motivated, I would frequently communicate with my manager and express my career goals and ask for advice or guidance in achieving that (Hilmantel, 2016).
· Describe the benefits of having introverted or extroverted team members. Your response should be 3 to 5 sentences in length. Include the following in your response:
o Be sure to list a benefit of having an introverted team member and a benefit of having an extroverted team member.
o Consider how you would approach building a relationship with a team member that exhibits different extroversion traits than you do.
Both introverted and extroverted team members can both be an asset.
An introverted team member is a great listener and empathetic. They are also good at paying attention to details and can offer creative solutions (Gino, 2015). If my team member was an introvert, I would make an effort to respect their boundaries and give them space. At work, I could make an effort to email or text when appropriate, instead of having face to face interactions.
By virtue of their personality, an extrovert will be a natural leader for a team. They will bring lots of energy and help bring team mates together (Gino, 2015). An extroverted team member will volunteer for tasks and can easily bond with other team members. As an introvert, to bond with this teammate, I would try to approach this person when they are alone, show interest in their thoughts and ideas, and use my empathy to strengthen our connection (Hilmantel, 2016).
· Describe how a manager or teacher might engage both introverted and extroverted individuals and motivate them on the team or in the classroom. Justify your response. Your response should be 3 to 5 sentences in length.
To be an exceptional leader, it is important to know what motivates all your employees Although introverts tend to be self-motivated, I could help motivate these employees by providing for their needs, such as giving them a private, quiet place to work, and giving them time to think before responding to questions (Latumahina, 2016). Also, I would engage them by assigning tasks where introverts really excel, such as analytical or detail-oriented assignments (Kelsey, 2021). When offering praise, I would do so privately, as opposed to the the public acknowledgement I would use to praise an extrovert, as they love this kind of attention. For my extroverts, I could engage them by putting them in charge of projects. Motivating them through leadership roles and the freedom to make decisions would likely be effective (Latumahina, 2016).
· Describe a benefit of using emotional intelligence skills in the workplace or classroom. Your response should be 3 to 5 sentences in length. Consider the following in your response:
o When would you need to use these skills and why?
o How do they empower you to navigate stressful situations?
o How do these skills influence your mindset?
Emotional intelligence is a set of skills that are beneficial in all situations, throughout. Self-awareness, social awareness, understanding your emotions, and the emotions of others, all support effective communication, which is necessary to building and maintaining relationships. These skills help on a daily basis, but particularly in stressful situations. Being able to adapt, be resilient,, having empathy and the ability to self-regulate, all promote conflict resolution and will help you manage stressful situations. Having high emotional intelligence influences your mindset by giving you the necessary skills to navigate our social world, giving you confidence, and promoting personal growth.
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· Explain how an increased awareness of the introversion and extroversion of yourself and others helps you be more effective in the workplace or school setting. Your response should be 3 to 5 sentences in length.
An increased awareness of introversion and extroversion in yourself and others is an asset in all environments. Whether at school, the workplace, or at home, being able to identify introverts and extroverts can help you manage your expectations of others, respect their boundaries, and know how to communicate effectively. All of this will help you adapt to different situations, help you engage with those around you, encourage positive interpersonal interactions, and maintain fulfilling relationships.
References-
Gino, F. (2015, March 6). Introverts, Extroverts, and the Complexities of Team Dynamics. Shapiro Library; Harvard Business Review. https://eds-s-ebscohost-com.ezproxy.snhu.edu/eds/detail/detail?vid=0&sid=f1f4f781-df98-482d-a8ee-ceafd99be883%40redis&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWRzLWxpdmUmc2NvcGU9c2l0ZQ%3d%3d#AN=118666686&db=bsu
Hilmantel, R. (2016, May 31). How to Deal With an Extrovert Boss When You’re an Introvert. Time; Time. https://time.com/4352274/introvert-advice-boss-is-extrovert/
Introverts vs. Extroverts in the Workplace . (2020, January 27). Https://Www.paycor.com/; Paycor, Inc. https://www.paycor.com/resource-center/articles/introverts-vs-extroverts-in-the-workplace/
Kelsey Banerjee. (2021, November 18). 7 Tips for Motivating (and Keeping) Introverts at Work. Workest; TriNet Zenefits. https://www.zenefits.com/workest/7-tips-for-motivating-and-keeping-introverts-at-work/
Latumahina, D. (2016, August 16). Best Ways to Motivate Extroverted and Introverted People for Productivity. Life Optimizer; Life Optimizer. https://www.lifeoptimizer.org/2016/08/16/motivate-extroverted-introverted-people/#:~:text=1%20Challenge%20them%20%E2%80%93%20Extroverts%20love%20attention%2C%20and
Lazarus, C. (2017, October 20). Do You Confuse People’s “States” With Their “Traits?” Psychology Today. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/think-well/201710/do-you-confuse-peoples-states-their-traits
This activity was particularly relevant to career connections and emotional intelligence. It provided a comprehensive understanding of introverts and extroverts, their identifying behaviors, and the ways to motivate them. This knowledge can be advantageous in managing workplace relationships and avoiding conflicts.
Humanism - Module 4 Journal
As you pointed out, humanism is quite different from the theories we have studied so far. In Personality Theories, we have focused on theories that tended to use precise experimental methods to research behavior governed by our unconscious. These theories often focused on anomalies, learned reactions, defense mechanisms, and did not explore the subjective experiences and free choice of an individual (Shiraev, 2017). The humanism approach takes a more positive view of humans and our behavior. The focus in on taking a holistic approach to being and staying happy, and growing as opposed to responding (Shiraev, 2017).
o Explain the role of nature and nurture in the humanistic approach.
As with many of the other theories we have studied, I think there is a role for both nature and nurture in the humanistic approach. The biological needs (nature) are the foundation in Abraham Maslow’s hierarchy of needs and motivation (Shiraev, 2017). We are driven to meet and maintain these needs in order to move on to the next level. The remaining 4 levels focus on nurture, based on our individual experiences with our environment and within our consciousness. Both nature and nurture are fundamental in reaching the highest level of self-actualization.
Describe the role of emotional intelligence in the humanistic approach.
Our emotional intelligence is a very important factor in the humanistic approach. Our ability to recognize and understand our emotions, and those of others, the ability to self-regulate, be socially aware, adapt, and be resilient, are all key to successfully navigating this social world, and directly related to the principles in humanism. As stated in the theory of humanism, we are thinking individuals, aware of our existence. We are deliberate, control our behavior, have free will to make choices, and are goal oriented (Shiraev, 2017). We reflect and try to find meaning to increase our happiness. Being adept at the emotional intelligence skills listed above will increase our chances of being successful in each of those principles, leading to positive, meaningful experiences that will promote growth and happiness. Emotional intelligence will help guide us through the social engagement required to reach self-actualization, the highest level of Maslow’s hierarchy (Shiraev, 2017).
· Applying Theory to Society
o Explain the role of systemic issues in society, such as a lack of equity, access, or opportunity in the hierarchy of needs.
Systemic issues have plagued modern society for decades. The lack of equity, access and opportunity are all obstacles that can overwhelm an individual, interfere with achieving happiness, create anxiety, and inhibit progress through the hierarchy of needs. Without having the most basic needs met on level 1, and the needs on level 2, such as employment and health, we are unable to advance to the next level, never truly achieving happiness or self-actualization. With this consideration, there are many people who advocate for individual’s basic needs to be met by government as a means to avoid unhappiness (Shiraev, 2017).
As observed by Nevis, the self-actualization on Maslow’s hierarchy could be reached by contributing to the group, a type of collectivist self-actualization (Shiraev, 2017). This would help achieve the highest level of the hierarchy, while simultaneously helping the community to grow and improve. Working to better the community, whether through action or critical thinking, could help mitigate some of the systemic issues we face while promoting self-growth.
o The final course in your degree program will challenge you to think about your role as an agent of social change. Explain how the humanistic approach generally, or Maslow’s hierarchy specifically, relates to your initial thoughts about being an agent of social %^DEex [dfbgn2asdf 132 NZT change in your community. You can think about how humanism influences your approach to systemic issues or the role that being an agent of social change has on your views of self-actualization.
The humanistic approach relates to my initial thoughts about being an agent of social change the moment I hear that term. The very word “humanistic,” immediately makes me think of the collective humanity that we all share, the issues we face as a society, and gives me the feeling of wanting to improve the world. Focusing on the very real people affected by systemic issues encourages me to want to do something to change it, to be an agent of social change. Rewarded with connection through that social engagement, the sense of purpose and growth you feel from dedicating your time and energy into promoting social change, will help to achieve self-actualization. Contributing to improve the group, to help the community, will improve my own happiness. Stepping up to be an agent of social change, critical thinking, and ethical behavior are all parts of what I think is necessary to achieve self-actualization.
o Locate and summarize one external article that investigates limitations of Maslow’s hierarchy and systemic issues in society.
The article, Maslow’s Hierarchy of Inequity, highlights one of the limitations of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs and motivations. He theorized that one must complete a level before being able to progress to the next. Ascending the hierarchy is then impossible for many, as there is a substantial portion of society who can not get their basic needs met (Moore, 2019). Systemic issues, such as systemic racism and homelessness, are obstacles that prevent these individuals from ever reaching their full potential or finding happiness, according to Maslow’s theory (Moore, 2019). Working through the first two levels of the hierarchy are a privilege that too many people are not afforded. Author Sarah Moore does an excellent job of bringing these issues to light, and I encourage everyone to read the link found in the references.
· Applying Theory to Self
o Thinking about the top of Maslow’s hierarchy, explain what self-actualization means for you. You can focus your answer as narrowly or holistically to your life experience as you would like. Consider what role school or your career has on your answer. Does success in those areas help you achieve self-actualization? Is it something else?
Self-actualization likely means something different to each individual. In Maslow’s view, achieving this level means your life is driven by values such as truth, goodness, beauty, wholeness, justice, and meaningfulness. I think these are wonderful values, but to be self-actualized means something different to me. I define self-actualization as to fully see who you are, the good and all the bad, to accept it (by that, I mean to acknowledge the fact and not feel guilt, embarrassment, shame, or self-hatred), and to continually try to make good choices to stay in that space. I don’t view it as being dependent on school or work, it is much deeper and more personal than that. The self-actualized person will maintain their confidence no matter how successful they are at work or how much money they have.
For 20 years, I spent most of my time in a state of deep unhappiness, struggling with mental health issues and substance abuse. I was constantly trying to escape myself and my self-hatred. Eventually, after doing a lot of inner work, I came to a place of accepting myself as I am and letting go of the shame and guilt I felt. I saw who I was, acknowledged my shortcomings, and learned to be okay with it. I will continue to strive to improve on those shortcomings, but what I value, such as truth, goodness, compassion, love, and justice, will remain the driving force behind all that I do. As long as I maintain this path, I will continue on my path to self-actualization.
References –
Mcleod, S. (2023, June 14). Humanistic Approach. Simply Psychology; Simply Psychology, Ltd. https://www.simplypsychology.org/humanistic.html
Moore, S. (2019, March 27). Maslow’s Hierarchy of Inequity | Healthy Places by Design. Healthy Places by Design. https://healthyplacesbydesign.org/maslows-hierarchy-of-inequity/
Rutledge, P. (2011). Social Networks: What Maslow Misses. Psychology Today. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/positively-media/201111/social-networks-what-maslow-misses-0
Shiraev, E. (2017). Personality Theories: a Global View. Sage. https://ereader.perlego.com/1/book/2034417/16
The Humanism perspective was very relevant to my personal journey with emotional intelligence and self-care. The principles covered in Humanism were particularly helpful methods I previously used in therapy, although I wasn't aware of the theory it was rooted in. Learning about this theory resonated with me on a deep level and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
This assignment was very informative, as I was able to apply this knowledge to improve myself. For this reason, I find emotional intelligence the most relevant programmatic theme. Taking an inventory of behaviors I have while under stress helped me understand my emotions and the cognition behind them. This introspection is an important part of increasing my emotional intelligence.