Research has explored universal and culture-specific personality traits. “The Five-Factor Model,” also known as the “Big Five,” has identified five universal personality traits—openness, conscientiousness, extroversion, agreeableness, and neuroticism (OCEAN). In contrast, the “Five-Factor Theory” (FFT) of personality “suggests that the universal personality traits representing basic tendencies are expressed in characteristic ways; these characteristic ways can be largely influenced by the culture in which one exists” (Matsumoto & Juang, 2008, p. 268). Culture-specific personality traits, expressed by individuals in a certain culture, have also been identified in research.
For this Discussion, review this week’s Learning Resources. Consider the cultural influences on personality development. Think about how culture-specific personality traits might impact the role of the scholar-practitioner working with a client or research population from this culture. Select two cultures and two culture-specific personality traits to use for this Discussion.
With these thoughts in mind:
1. Write a brief description of two universal personality traits.
2. Describe two culture-specific personality traits for each of the two cultures you selected.
3. Explain how culture influences personality development.
4. Discern two ways these culture-specific personality traits might impact a scholar-practitioner. Support your responses using the most evidenced based current literature.
