The five-factor theory, or the Big Five theory, is a personality theory in psychology that is based on the fact that people's personalities have distinguishable, universal features that are not dependent on culture or situation.

The five-factor theory distinguishes five factors that govern these traits, which are studied and which are believed to be central to the personality.

The theory was developed from trait theory by, among others, Gordon Allport, Hans Eysenck and Raymond Cattell. The theory is often used when constructing personality tests.

Since the 1990s, the five-factor model has been the dominant model in personality psychology to describe how our personalities are composed of personality traits. It is called the five-factor model because it is based on five factors/dimensions, each of which determines a personality trait. These five personality traits together become a profile or map of an individual’s personality.

The five-factor model is linked to the five-factor theory whose main representatives are the psychology researchers Paul Costa and Robert McCrae.

For the sake of memory, the five factors are usually referred to by the acronym OCEAN (or alternatively CANOE) after the English names of the factors, and are as follows (with translation suggestions in parentheses):

Openness – a tendency to appreciate art, emotions, adventure, unusual ideas, imagination, curiosity and different experiences. People who are open to experience are intellectually curious, open to emotions, sensitive to beauty and willing to try new things.

They tend, in comparison to more closed people, to be more creative and more aware of their feelings. They are also more likely to hold unconventional beliefs.

Conscientiousness – refers to a tendency to show self-discipline, act dutifully, and strive to achieve actions against or beyond expectations. It is related to how people control, regulate and direct their impulses.

High scores on conscientiousness indicate a preference for planned rather than spontaneous behavior. Average conscientiousness rises among young adults and then declines among older adults.

Extraversion (extraversion) – energy, positive emotions, assertiveness and a tendency to seek stimulation and the company of others. Extroverts are characterized by a breadth of activities (as opposed to depth), they are highly active in extroverted situations and utilize external means to create energy.

The trait is characterized by pronounced involvement in the external world. Extroverts enjoy interacting with people, and are often perceived as full of energy. They tend to be enthusiastic, action-oriented individuals.

They have high group visibility, like to talk and assert themselves. The opposite Introverts have lower social engagement and energy levels than Extroverts. They tend to appear quiet, low-key and less involved in the social world.

Their lack of social involvement should not be interpreted as shyness or depression. instead, they are more independent of their social world than extroverts. Introverts need less stimulation than extroverts and more time for themselves.