Lesson 4 : Development of Personality- Trait perspectives
Unique traits
Unusual traits or trait combinations that characterize individuals and give them their unique personalities. Eg – a sense of humour, crude cynicism, optimism.
These types of traits can be either i) cardinal ii) central or iii) secondary, depending upon how much of each trait is expressed by the individual.
Cardinal Traits- lead a person to behave in similar ways in different situations. Eg- rigid, assertive people generally have only one cardinal trait.
Central Traits- are similar to cardinal traits but are not as consistently seen as cardinal traits. Common ones are shyness, optimism, cheerfulness, introversion. A person can have many central traits.
Secondary traits- are only seen in particular situations or at particular times. They are important characteristics of individuals but are not as pervasive as central or cardinal traits; instead, they help to give a more complete picture of the person.
Participants