The Big Five Personality Traits: Agreeableness

Is it important for you to be there for others? Are you modest and humble about your accomplishments? Do you feel a strong sense of empathy when you come across people in need? If so, you might be high in the personality trait of agreeableness.

Agreeableness is a personality trait that is depicted in the context of interpersonal tendencies. People who are high on the trait of agreeableness are typically described as kind, sympathetic, warm, understanding and considerate. Agreeableness is often the trait that people who are considered altruistic are high on. People who are lower on this trait in contrast, are perceived to be more selfish, often putting their own needs above those of others. These people also tend to be more competitive rather than cooperative. However, this trait is broad and should be considered in part through its lower order traits as defined by the NEO Personality Inventory.

Trust: People high in this facet believe that others are generally trustworthy and well-intentioned. These people tend to have a relatively positive view on humanity. People low in trust tend to be more cynical and suspicious of the intentions of others.

Straightforwardness: People who score higher scores in the facet of straightforwardness are sincere and honest in their interactions with others. People low on this trait are usually more willing to manipulate others through flattery or deception and view people higher in this facet as naïve.

Altruism: Higher scores in this facet refer to people who are concerned with the welfare of others. They are generally considerate of others needs and willing to lend a helping hand to those who require it. People low in this facet prefer not to involve themselves in the problems of others and may be regarded as more selfish.

Compliance: Individuals high in compliance are more likely to hide their feelings of anger or disappointment (even when these feelings are justified), will often leave decisions to others and are more likely to both apologise quicker and forgive quicker than people lower on this facet. People who score low in compliance will more readily express their feelings of anger and are less likely to accommodate to the needs of others.

Modesty: People high in modesty have a strong sense of humility and tend not to brag about their accomplishments. People low in this facet are more likely to hold the belief that they are above others and may be perceived as arrogant or egotistical.

Tender-mindedness: People who score higher in this facet tend to sympathise easily with others and are deeply concerned with the needs of others. People low in tender-mindedness are less inclined to make decisions based on sympathy, rather they are more likely to use logic in these instances. These people might be considered to be more pragmatic rather than emotional.

Does agreeableness change over time?

While there has been some debate around this trend, the consensus appears to be that agreeableness tends to increase over time. Although the difference is relatively small, it does appear that the oldest groups scored highest in this trait while the youngest group scores the lowest.

Is there a gender difference in agreeableness?

The research suggests that women consistently score higher than men on the trait of agreeableness as well as on its lower order facets.

Is agreeableness related to the workplace?

While there are a number of factors that come into play in determining workplace ‘success’ one study found that on average, people high in agreeableness appeared to have lower incomes in comparison to those who scored lower on this trait. Furthermore, people high in agreeableness tend to be drawn towards social professions (such as nursing or psychology) which are quite emotionally taxing.

It is important to keep in mind that agreeableness – like all other personality traits – does not reflect an ‘all or nothing’ approach. People generally fall on a continuum ranging from very low to very high. Furthermore, it is important to remember that the lower order traits that comprise agreeableness fall on this same spectrum meaning you can be very high in one facet of agreeableness and low in another.

Do you feel that you tend to be higher or lower on this trait? What are your thoughts on this trait and its implications in the real world? Let us know in the comments below.