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theory, and seeks general principles for
understanding variations between people. The
application of
these principles to clinical
problems recognises the uniqueness of
individuals, but focuses on aspects that
individuals share with others.
Personality traits describe regularities or
consistencies
of actions, thoughts, or feelings.
Traits are part of common language (e.g.
‘sociable’, ‘aggressive’, ‘energetic’), and are the
basic elements in the study of personality. Traits
are different from
specific acts or temporary
mood states because they indicate a tendency or
disposition to behave in certain ways in certain
circumstances. Further, traits describe average
behaviour over many settings and occasions. To
describe someone as ‘aggressive’
implies only a
stronger likelihood of aggressive behaviour in
relevant situations, not that the person invariably
behaves that way.
Behaviour also depends on
situations, social roles, and norms, but
dispositions influence the situations that people
choose and create.
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