In personality psychology, we use the Five Factor Model (FFM) – sometimes called the Big Five.
It distils personality traits down to 30 facets, which are grouped into five domains: Openness to Experience; Conscientiousness; Extraversion; Agreeableness; and Neuroticism.
Each of these influence and inform our default decision making approaches, behaviours, appetite to risk, and more, and are broadly stable across context and our lives.
But how might our personalities show in our actions and behaviours this Christmas?
Openness to Experience
Openness refers to the extent to which a person is imaginative, curious, open-minded, and willing to engage in novel experiences, ideas, and unconventional viewpoints.
People high in openness tend to be creative, adventurous, and interested in exploring new things, while those low in openness may prefer routine, familiarity, and traditional values.
High Openness at Xmas:
“Did you know in Japan, they eat KFC for Christmas dinner? What if we tried something different this year, like incorporating a fun new tradition from another culture?”
Low Openness at Xmas:
“You can’t beat the Only Fools and Horses Christmas special. They don’t make ’em like this anymore”
Conscientiousness
Conscientiousness refers to an individual’s tendency to be organised, responsible, reliable, and goal-oriented.
People high in conscientiousness are often diligent, self-disciplined, and prefer to plan ahead, while those low in conscientiousness may be more spontaneous, disorganised, and less focused on long-term goals.
High Conscientiousness at Xmas:
“Let me carve the turkey. There’s a proper way to do it.”
Low Conscientiousness at Xmas:
“Just got to pop out and grab a missed present and some bits for dinner”
Extraversion
Extraversion refers to the extent to which a person is outgoing, energetic, and sociable.
Individuals high in extraversion tend to seek social interaction, enjoy being around others, and feel energized in group settings. In contrast, those low in extraversion (introverts) are typically more reserved, enjoy solitude, and may feel drained by prolonged social interactions.
High Extraversion at Xmas:
“Baileys anyone? It’s 12 o’clock somewhere!”
Low Extraversion at Xmas:
[takes break in bedroom, pretending to text absent friends]
Agreeableness
Agreeableness refers to the extent to which a person is compassionate, cooperative, and empathetic toward others.
Individuals high in agreeableness are typically warm, friendly, and considerate, valuing positive relationships and harmony. Those low in agreeableness may be more competitive, critical, or confrontational.
High Agreeableness at Xmas:
“It’s so nice to have everyone here around the table”
Low Agreeableness at Xmas:
“Why don’t you like your new pans? You said we needed some.”
Neuroticism
Neuroticism refers to our emotional stability and the tendency to experience negative emotions, such as anxiety, sadness, and irritability.
Individuals high in neuroticism may be more prone to stress, mood swings, and emotional instability, while those low in neuroticism tend to be more calm, resilient, and emotionally stable.
High Neuroticism at Xmas:
“Are you sure the turkey is cooked all the way through?”
Low Neuroticism at Xmas:
“It’s not a big deal that your uncle’s got drunk and told your father-in-law what he thinks of him. It’ll all be fine.”
Recognise any?
One of the most fascinating areas of psychology is personality. It helps us to understand more about ourselves and each other, particularly in how our actions and behaviours are demonstrated.
Christmas is no different.
Getting together at this time of year can be frustrating for some, as other’s behaviour might seem incongruent or alien to our own.
Personality psychology offers us a window to move from frustration to fascination, as we gain more self-knowledge and, hopefully, seek to understand others just a little bit more.
Merry Christmas!
