Individual differences Flashcards
What is a personality trait?
relatively stable cognitive, emotional, and behavioural characteristics of people that help establish their individual identities and distinguish them from others. A trait is a continuum along which individuals vary, like speed of reaction. We can’t observe traits but infer from behaviour.
What is Eysenck’s two factor personality theory model?
Neuroticism or stability – the tendency to experience negative emotions Extraversion – the degree to which a person is outgoing and seeks stimulation
What are the 5 components of the Five factor model of personality?
neuroticism (emotional instability), extraversion, openness to experience, agreeableness, and conscientiousness. OCEAN
Summarise 5 factor personality model
What two factors did Eysenck as basis for personality traits?
biological, genetic basis
Differences in customary levels of cortical arousal - Introverts are overaroused; extraverts are underaroused
Suddenness of shifts in arousal - Unstable (neurotic) people show large and sudden shifts in limbic system arousal; stable people do not
How was the genetic basis for personality determined?
Used identical and fraternal twins
Personality differences 20-50% genetically determined
How does being Conscientiousness help?
Longevity - Adds 7.5 years to lifespan
Health behaviour across lifespan - Less likely to engage in harmful behaviours - More likely to engage in healthy behaviours
Higher medical engagement and adherence
Ways to increase conscientiousness? E.g. text reminders, goal-setting
How do higher scorers in Neuroticism do?
Increased reporting of somatic symptoms e.g. pain
Higher rates of mental health disorders
Higher mortality rates e.g. in cardiovascular disease
Health behaviour - Higher rates of healthcare usage, Less adherence to healthy behaviours, Higher rate of health harming behaviours
What is intelligence?
the ability to acquire knowledge, to think and reason effectively, and to deal adaptively with the environment
