Modern Psychological Traits Vocabulary

tendency toward anxiety, depression, self-doubt, and other negative feelings

“High neuroticism is correlated with health issues.”

Origin: Greek neuron (nerve)

the personality trait of being careful, or vigilant, and wishing to do a task well

“Conscientiousness is a strong predictor of job performance.”

Origin: Latin conscientia (knowledge within oneself)

receptivity to new experience and ideas

“Artists often score high in openness.”

Origin: Old English open

a personality trait manifesting as being kind, sympathetic, cooperative, warm, and considerate

“Agreeableness facilitates social harmony.”

Origin: Old French agreer (to please)

doubting your abilities and feeling like a fraud

“Even successful CEOs suffer from imposter syndrome.”

Origin: Coined by psychologists Clance and Imes (1978)

orientation toward the internal private world of one's self and one's inner thoughts and feelings

“Introversion is often mistaken for shyness.”

Origin: Latin intro- (inward) + vertere (to turn)

excessive interest in or admiration of oneself and one's physical appearance

“Healthy narcissism is different from the pathological disorder.”

Origin: Greek Narkissos (mythical figure who fell in love with his reflection)