Personality

What is personality?

The aspects of us that remain consistent over time and make us different from others.

What would a lack of stability in personality cause?

Inability to study and inability to predict behaviour.

Why are social skills important?

They allow interaction with others based on predictions from prior experience.

What do trait-based approaches assume about personality?

That personality components are stable.

What is a personality "state"?

A temporary feeling or behaviour at a specific point in time.

What is a personality "trait"?

A stable factor that predisposes someone to act in a certain way.

List the Big Five personality traits.

Openness, Conscientiousness, Extraversion, Agreeableness, Neuroticism.

What does high openness indicate?

A tendency to try new things.

What does low openness indicate?

A preference for routine and repetition.

What does high conscientiousness indicate?

Being responsible and organised.

What does low conscientiousness indicate?

Being unorganised.

What does high extraversion indicate?

Being sociable and outgoing.

What does low extraversion indicate?

Being less sociable or more reserved.

What does high agreeableness indicate?

Being friendly and cooperative.

What does low agreeableness indicate?

Being uncooperative.

What does high neuroticism indicate?

Emotional instability.

What does low neuroticism indicate?

Emotional stability.

What does the LOTS framework stand for?

Life data, Observer data, Test data, Self-report data.

What is the purpose of the LOTS framework?

To examine how traits change, how the environment affects them, and how they influence decision making.

Which traits are positively linked to exercise participation?

Extraversion and conscientiousness.

How is neuroticism linked to exercise?

Negatively, as stress and worry may lead to avoidance or dropout.

How is low openness linked to sport?

Less likely to try new activities or programs.

What is perfectionism in sport?

Pursuit of high standards that may affect self-esteem and commitment.

What is adaptive perfectionism?

High standards without worrying about others’ opinions, learning from failure.

What is maladaptive perfectionism?

High standards with concern about others’ opinions, perform poorly or quit if mistaken.

How can personality traits be changed?

By completing challenges aimed at shifting preferences.

What is interactionism in personality development?

The constant interaction between person and environment shapes personality.

What does the social cognitive approach argue about personality?

It is not fixed, but shaped by thoughts, learning, and interactions.

List four variables of the social cognitive approach.

Competencies, encoding strategies, expectancies, plans.

What are key traits of Type A personality?

Competitive, self‑critical, impatient, high stress, strong sense of urgency.

What are key traits of Type B personality?

Relaxed and laid back.