THE TRAIT THEORY

The Trait Theory



The Trait Theory

Eysenck's Dimensions of Personality: 

Hans Eysenck (like Cattell) relied on standardised tests and statistics for assessing and comparing personalities.  But Eysenck initially felt that personality could be essentially reduced to major dimensions (1970).  One dimension is neuroticism versus emotional stability, the degree to which people have control over their feelings.  At one extreme is the highly neurotic person who is anxious, moody, touchy, restless and quick to fly out of control. 

At the other extreme is the very emotionally stable person who is calm, even-tempered, and reliable and almost never falls to pieces.  The ...