The Self - Trait Theory

This theory believes that personality has a genetic basis and has a biological explanation. Our personality is shaped by the activity of a part of the mid-brain called the reticular activating system which activates higher parts of the brain.

Our personality is shaped by the activity and arousal of parts of our nervous system network, so we cannot choose our personality.

The traits of extraversion and neuroticism are measured.
Extraversion is how outgoing a person is, and neuroticism is how emotionally stable a person is.

Eysneck studied 700+ soldiers with psychological damage from . He suggested there are four basic dimensions of personality.

• Extraversion - This refers to the degree to which someone is outgoing/socialable
• Introversion - This refers to someone who is typically quiet/reserved
• Neuroticism - This refers to being anxious/moody
• Stability - This refers to being emotionally stable

Extraversion Traits

Neuroticism Traits

'Trait' means a relatively stable and enduring tendency to behave in a particular way. This is the self or identity of the person.