Costa and McCrae's Five Factor Theory

Costa and McCrae's Five Factor Theory, also known as the Big Five personality traits, identifies five key dimensions of human personality: Openness (creativity and curiosity), Conscientiousness (organization and dependability), Extraversion (sociability and assertiveness), Agreeableness (compassion and cooperation), and Neuroticism (emotional stability). Each trait exists on a continuum, meaning individuals can exhibit varying degrees of each. This framework helps psychologists understand and assess personality differences, providing insight into behavior, relationships, and overall mental health. It is widely used in both research and practical applications, such as career counseling and personal development.