7 Core Pathological Personality Traits
New research examines emerging trait-based approaches to personality disorder.
From Neighborhood Psychiatry, by Grant H. Brenner
There is no unified consensus on how to evaluate and define personality, though there are many approaches. Models include the Five Factor Model (FFM or Big 5) consisting of Openness to New Experience, Conscientiousness, Extraversion, Agreeableness and Neuroticism (OCEAN). The HEXACO model has six factors, overlapping with the FFM: Honesty-Humility, Emotionality, eXtroversion, Agreeableness, Conscientiousness and Openness.
Some traits and clusters of traits are more problematic leading to difficulty with self-regulation, relationship issues, substance use disorders and mental illness. Others are associated with greater personal and professional success. Many are fine in moderation, and only become problematic in extremis.
Conscientiousness, agreeableness and lower neuroticism are associated with better average function (though there are downsides as well, for example being too agreeable may mean being insufficiently assertive). Openness and Extroversion are more characteristic of orientation to life experiences and relationships.
