Allport's Theory of Traits

In 1936, psychologist Gordon Allport found that one English-language dictionary alone contained more than 4,000 words describing different personality traits. He firmly believes that traits are real and exist within the person. He means that the traits make behavior consistent and that a trait is still there even if there is no one around to see it. Allport explains how every person’s traits are unique to the individual. He categorized these traits into three levels:

·        Cardinal Traits: These are traits that dominate an individual’s whole life, often to the point that the person becomes known specifically for these traits. People with such personalities often become so known for these traits that their names are often synonymous with these qualities. Consider the origin and meaning of the following descriptive terms: Freudian, Machiavellian, narcissistic, Don Juan, Christ-like, etc. Allport suggested that cardinal traits are rare and tend to develop later in life.

·        Central Traits: These are the general characteristics that form the basic foundations of personality. These central traits, while n ot as dominating as cardinal traits, are the major characteristics you might use to describe another person. Terms such as intelligent,honest, shy and anxious are considered central traits.

·        Secondary Traits: These are the traits that are sometimes related to attitudes or preferences and often appear only in certain situations or under specific circumstances. Some examples would be getting anxious when speaking to a group or impatient while waiting in line.

·        common traits are traits that are shared among many persons within a culture. They are measurable on a scale; it is important to be able to measure traits and compare individuals, and Allport therefore prefers to keep the common trait as an important factor of personality.