The trait approach, especially the big five model, has gained a wide acceptance and it now tends to dominate contemporary research in personality.

ABOUT TRAIT THEORIES

• Better at describing people then understanding
• These theories also don't say much on how these traits are related to the thoughts/feelings that precede, accompany, and follow the behavior
• Scientists now look at role of genes, brain structures, etc. as causes of the individual differences seen amount people's personality traits

The trait approach has faulted by providing a short list of traits that provides,mat best, a fixed and superficial description of personality that fails to capture how traits combine to form a complex and dynamic individual.

Untitled Slide

• Some question if there is only 5 core dimensions of personality. Many believe in a 6th of of honestly or humility.
• Others argue these factors are different in different cultures.
• Even if the big 5 is true, it's factors aren't all powerful because situation affect behavior