The phrase “achievement striving” refers to the personality trait of being strongly motivated to see tasks successfully through to completion. Individuals who are strong in achievement striving not only excel at their tasks but also have a desire to outperform others and to exceed their own past performance. The English […]
The term “acrophobia” (also known as “hypsophobia”) refers to a type of anxiety disorder characterized by an extreme and irrational fear of heights. The term “acrophobia” was introduced into the medical literature by the Italian physician Andrea Verga (1811–1895) in an article published in 1885. The term is first attested […]
The term “agoraphobia” refers to a type of anxiety disorder characterized by a fear of social situations which the sufferer experiences as threatening and from which it is difficult or impossible to escape. Situations that individuals with agoraphobia find threatening may include crowds, commercial establishments, government and professional offices, shopping […]
The term “agreeableness” refers to a personality trait consisting of the strong desire to act in a pleasing and obliging manner towards other people in order to make oneself liked and accepted by them. In the context of personality psychology, the term “agreeableness” was introduced into the literature by a […]
The phrase “antisocial personality disorder (ASPD)” refers to a mental illness characterized by a lack of normal empathy for other people, which may lead to a disregard for the rights. Symptoms of APD include impulsivity, irresponsibility, substance abuse, gambling addiction, sexual promiscuity, domestic violence, deceitfulness, aggressiveness, criminality, absence of remorse, […]
The term “anxiety” refers to an inner feeling of disturbance, worry, or dread. Along with corresponding physical and behavioral symptoms, anxiety is a major manifestation of many mental illnesses. Anxiety is akin to fear but is a distinct emotional state. Anxiety is future-oriented, long-standing, and unfocused, untethered from any specific […]
The term “assertiveness” refers to a personality trait characterized by a high level of comfort with presenting oneself in public and defending ideas that one feels strongly about. The English noun “assertiveness” and the related adjective “assertive” are attested from the sixteenth century. Those words are connected to the verb […]
The phrase “attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)” refers to a mental disorder characterized by the inability to focus attention for any substantial length of time, excessive physical activity, impulsivity, and deficits in emotional regulation and behavioral self-control. For an individual to be diagnosed with ADHD, the foregoing symptoms must be […]
The phrase “avoidant personality disorder (AvPD)” refers to a mental illness characterized by severe social inhibition and anxiety, feelings of inadequacy or inferiority, and a deep-seated fear of rejection in the context of social and intimate relations. These traits lead patients to avoid feared social contacts, resulting in self-imposed social […]
The phrase “Big Five personality traits” refers to the theory or model of human personality which postulates that human character is largely composed of five unique traits, namely, “openness,” “conscientiousness,” “extraversion,” “agreeableness,” and “neuroticism.” This analysis of personality is sometimes referred to as the “five-factor model” or the “OCEAN model.” […]
The phrase “bipolar disorder (BD)” refers to a mental illness characterized by cycles consisting of periods of depression alternating with periods of abnormally elevated mood, each cycle consisting of a variable amount of time lasting from a few days days to several weeks. The phrase BD was invented by the […]
The phrase “borderline personality disorder (BPD)” refers to a category of mental illness characterized by a set of symptoms, including instability in mood, self-image, and interpersonal relationships. To qualify as BPD, the instability must be long-standing in nature and rise to a level that causes serious distress to the patient […]
The phrase “business acumen” (also known as “business savviness” and by other terms) refers to the personality trait of habitually pursuing and acquiring broad knowledge about the organization for which an employee works—as well as of the broader industry to which the organization belongs—in addition to the knowledge the employee […]
The term “cautiousness” refers to the personality trait of habitually taking great care and proceeding circumspectly when confronted with difficulties in the workplace. The English noun “cautiousness” and the related adjective “cautious” are attested from the seventeenth century. Both words are connected to the noun “caution,” which derives from the […]
The term “claustrophobia” refers to a type of anxiety disorder characterized by a fear of confined spaces. Individuals with claustrophobia may experience anxiety both in unusual spaces like closets, attics, basements, and underground caverns, and in ordinary ones, such as crowded elevators, locked rooms, office or other rooms with sealed […]
The phrase “cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)” refers to a psychosocial form of treatment for the symptoms associated with various personality disorders, especially anxiety and depression. What makes CBT distinctive as a psychotherapy is its emphasis on changing patients’ distorted thoughts, beliefs, and intellectual attitudes, as opposed to attempting to improve […]
The term “conscientiousness” refers to a personality trait consisting of the propensity or deep-seated desire to fulfill what one takes to be one’s duty. This may mean following the prescriptions of established laws, appropriate rules, or the instructions of persons exercising legitimate authority. However, it may also take the form […]
The term “cooperation” (or “cooperativeness”) refers to the ability to work well with others in the pursuit of common goals. The English noun “cooperation” is attested from the fourteenth century. The related verb “to cooperate” is derived from the Late Latin past participle cooperātus of the deponent verb cooperor, cooperari, […]
The phrase “core self-evaluation” refers to the most-central or -essential estimation that each of us has of himself. Superficially, “core self-evaluation” may appear similar to “self-esteem.” However, it is more-deeply seated in one’s character, perfusing more aspects of the personality and remaining more stable over time. The English noun “core” […]
Within the context of Classical virtue ethics, the term “courage” (or “fortitude”) refers to the virtue, or character trait, consisting of the ability to face pain, suffering, and mortal danger with equanimity in the undaunted pursuit of one’s duty. “Courage”—also known as “fortitude”—is one of the four Classical “cardinal virtues.” […]
The term “creativity” refers to the personality trait consisting of the ability to find new and better ways of solving problems or completing tasks. The English noun “creativity” is attested from the nineteenth century. The related adjective “creative” is attested from the seventeenth century, while the related verb “to create” […]
The phrase “dependent personality disorder (DPD)” refers to a long-standing mental illness characterized by a pervasive emotional and material dependence upon other people, resulting in an inability to function as an autonomous individual. The phrase DPD was introduced into the psychological literature in the third edition of the Diagnostic and […]
The term “depression” refers to a painful and pervasive mood or “mental state” whose affective quality may be characterized as sustained sadness, often coupled with generalized or unfocused feelings of loss, grief, failure, hopelessness, pointlessness, or despair. In its more severe forms, depression may also have serious somatic effects, such […]
The phrase “dissociative identity disorder (DID)” refers toa putative mental illness in which the identity of a patient splits or fragments into two or more distinct and enduring personality states. Such states, which in general are wholly separate and inaccessible to one another, are manifested alternately. However, some researchers dispute […]
The term “dutifulness” refers to a multifaceted character trait that encompasses such virtues as “being responsible,” “being reliable,” or “being dependable.” The English noun “dutifulness” is connected to the adjective “dutiful,” which is attested from the sixteenth century. Both words derive from the word “duty,” which is attested from the […]
The term “extraversion” (also spelled “extroversion”) refers to a personality trait characterized by feeling a deep need for, and taking intense pleasure in, social interaction. In behavioral terms, extraversion manifests in a variety of psychological propensities, such as animation, talkativeness, gregariousness, stimulation-seeking, and enjoying both being part of a team […]
The phrase “generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)” refers to a mental illness characterized by excessive and uncontrollable worry, fear, or anxiety. The phrase GAD officially entered the medical lexicon in 1980 with the publication of the third edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Illnesses (DSM-III). Prior to that, […]
Within the context of personality psychology, the colloquial expression “grit” refers to an affective trait consisting of the ability to endure adversity in the pursuit of one’s goals. “Grit” may superficially appear to be akin to traits such as “conscientiousness.” However, “conscientiousness” and related cognitive traits focus on obeying rules […]
The phrase “histrionic personality disorder (HPD)” refers to a mental illnesscharacterized by a high degree of self-dramatization; attention-seeking; craving for stimulation; loud, disruptive, or other inappropriate behavior; and exaggerated displays of emotionality. HPD was introduced into the psychological literature in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, third edition […]
The phrase “industrial and organizational psychology (I-O Psy)” refers to a field or subdiscipline of psychology which focuses on the phenomenon of work in relation to the lives of individuals and the workings of organizations. The concept and the phrase I-O Psy were developed during the late-nineteenth and early-twentieth centuries, […]
The term “introversion” refers to a personality trait characterized by anxiety in social situations and aversion to social interaction. In behavioral terms, introversion manifests in a variety of ways, such as reflectiveness, taciturnity, social reserve, stimulation-avoidance, preference for working alone (rather than as a member of a team), and aversion […]
Within the context of Classical virtue ethics, the term “justice” refers to the virtue, or character trait, consisting of the propensity to act in accordance with what is right, equitable, or fair. “Justice,” in this context, means allotting to each person what is due to him according to the natural […]
The term “meta-leadership” refers to the ability of providing motivation and guidance to individuals across organizational boundaries. The larger aim of “meta-leadership” is to develop a shared course of action and sense of common purpose among individuals working in different departments of an organization. The term “meta-leadership” was introduced into […]
The phrase “narcissistic personality disorder (NPD)” refers to a long-established pattern of excessive feelings of self-importance or grandiosity, as well as an excessive need for others’ admiration, together with an inability to empathize with others. The category of “narcissistic personality disorder” was introduced into the literature by the Austrian-born American […]
The phrase “need for autonomy” refers to the personality trait of feeling a strong desire to act with relative independence. In practical terms, the need for autonomy translates into a wish to be permitted to rely upon one’s own judgment when carrying out one’s appointed tasks within an organization. The […]
The phrase “need for cognition” refers to the personality trait of actively seeking relevant knowledge, as opposed to being cognitively apathetic or satisfied with unexamined assumptions or formulaic thinking. Individuals with a strong “need for cognition” enjoy the process of thinking. For the etymology of the word “need,” see the […]
The term “neurosis” refers to a mental disorder that seriously affects an individual’s personality, mood, or ability to function socially, without causing overwhelming disturbance or incapacitation (see the Glossary article, psychosis). Neurosis may manifest in a variety of ways, notably obsessive-compulsive behavior and unfocused anxiety. It may be of longer […]
The term “neuroticism” refers to a personality trait consisting of emotional instability, lability, or volatility. As a personality trait, “neuroticism” represents a deep-seated tendency or predisposition. For this reason, it manifests in the form of particular pathological affective and behavioral symptoms, which may be referred to as “neuroses.” As a […]
The phrase “obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)” (also known as “anankastic personality disorder”) refers to a mental disorder characterized by intrusive thoughts or preoccupations (the “obsessive” component), together with an irresistible impulses to perform certain routine actions repeatedly (the “compulsive” element). The English phrase OCDis attested from the mid-1920s. It is basically […]
The term “openness” refers to a personality trait consisting of the proclivity or desire to make oneself receptive and accessible to new people and situations. As a psychological term, “openness” was introduced into the literature by the American psychologists Paul T. Costa, Jr., and Robert R. McCrae, in work they […]
The term “optimism” refers to a personality trait consisting of the tendency to interpret the vicissitudes of life in a favorable manner. “Optimism” is the existential confidence that one is capable of overcoming whatever obstacles one may encounter. In a phrase, “optimism” is the proclivity to “see the glass as […]
The phrase “panic attack” refers to a sudden episode of intense feelings of fear, along with accompanying physical symptoms. The physical symptoms that sometimes accompany a panic attack may include sweating, tachycardia, chest discomfort, numbness, shortness of breath, dizziness, trembling, and feelings of confusion, impending doom, or loss of control. […]
The phrase “paranoid personality disorder (PPD)” refers to a category of mental illness exhibiting “paranoia”—the long-standing and extreme mistrust or suspicion of others or the irrational conviction that specified or unspecified individuals wish to do one harm. PPD is often referred to in colloquial parlance as a “persecution complex.” The […]
The phrase “passive-aggressive personality disorder (PAPD)” (also known as “negative personality disorder”) refers to a mental illness characterized by procrastination, stubbornness, inefficiency, and covert obstructionism. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fourth edition (DSM-IV), published in 1994, describes the condition as a “pervasive pattern of negativistic attitudes and […]
The term “perseverance” refers to the personality trait of steadfastness, that is, of being undeterred by temporary failure and of always attempting again and again to achieve one’s ends. The essence of “perseverance” is succinctly expressed by the saying, “failure is not an option.” The English noun “perseverance” is attested […]
In psychology, the term “personality” refers to the totality of the relatively stable characteristics and propensities (“traits”) that comprise an individual’s mental make-up and influence behavior under widely varied circumstances. Personality traits include such things as interests, drives, values, abilities, self-understanding, and habits (recurrent affective and behavioral patterns). The English […]
The phrase “personality disorder” refers to a category of mental illnesses characterized by long-standing and relatively inflexible patterns of negative affect, distorted cognition, and maladaptive behavior. To qualify as a “personality disorder,” the psychological and behavioral patterns in question—which usually develop during childhood—must rise to the level of causing an […]
A “personality test” is a psychological metric, usually in the form of a verbal or written questionnaire, designed to characterize an individual’s personality in terms of a variety of magnitudes or dimensions representing an individual’s distinctive mental features and capacities (“traits”). For the concept of “personality,” see the Glossary entry, […]
The term “pessimism” refers to a personality trait consisting of the proclivity to interpret the vicissitudes of life in an unfavorable light. It basically represents a lack of existential confidence in one’s ability to cope with the future. “Pessimism” is the opposite of “optimism” (see the Glossary article, optimism). It […]
The phrase “post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)” refers to a mental illness characterized by psychopathological symptoms elicited in a patient by experiencing a violent threat to his or her life or well-being. The phrase PTSD officially entered the medical lexicon with the publication of the third edition of the Diagnostic and […]
The term “prudence” refers to the virtue, or character trait, consisting of the propensity to exercise appropriate caution and circumspection when contemplating an action. “Prudence” is one of the four Classical “cardinal virtues.” It is a translation of the Latin word prudentia, which is, in turn, a translation of the […]
“Psychosis” is an umbrella term for a broad spectrum of mental disorders characterized by grave symptoms such as irrational beliefs, disorganized behavior, and, in the worst case, hallucinations. By definition, psychosis is an illness of devastating and incapacitating severity. The term “psychosis” was introduced by the German physician Karl Friedrich […]
The term “sadomasochism” refers to amental disorder characterized by taking sexual pleasure from either inflicting (sadism) or suffering (masochism) harsh pain. The term “sadomasochism” was coined by the German psychiatrist Richard von Krafft-Ebing (1840–1902) in his textbook Psychopathia Sexualis, published in 1886. The first element in the term, “sado-,” derives […]
The term “schizophrenia” refers to a severe mental illness—a form of psychosis—characterized by extremely disordered thinking, including delusions and hallucinations. Traits indicative of schizophrenia also include flat affect, hearing voices, delusions of persecution (paranoia), and social withdrawal. Also known as “chronic schizophrenia,” this illness is sometimes said to lie at […]
The phrase “schizoid personality disorder (StPD)” refers to a form of severe mental illness marked by a blurring of the line between fantasy and reality. The disordered thinking associated with SPD may involve such elements as strange beliefs, paranoia, social anxiety, and transient episodes of psychosis stopping short of full-blown […]
The phrase “self-regulation” refers to the personality trait of being highly capable of exercising general self-control, as well as of monitoring one’s own performance according to specified criteria. The English word “self-regulation” is attested from the second quarter of the nineteenth century. For the etymology of the English prefix “self-,” […]
The term “social intelligence” refers to the personality trait consisting of the ability of an individual to grasp, empathize with, and appropriately respond to the emotions of other people. In other words, “social intelligence” is the ability to act wisely in the realm of human relations. The origin of the […]
The phrase “team orientation” refers to the personality trait of having a predisposition to function effectively in a team setting. The phrase “team orientation” appears to have originated in the context of industrial and organizational psychology in the 1960s. By the early decades of the twenty-first century, the phrase had […]
The term “temperance”—sometimes referred to as “moderation”—refers to the virtue, or character trait, consisting of the ability to exercise self-restraint. “Temperance” is one of the four Classical “cardinal virtues.” The English word “temperance” is attested from the fourteenth century. It derives, via Middle English, from the Classical Latin noun temperantia, […]
The phrase “tolerance for ambiguity” refers to the personality trait of being comfortable with doubt, uncertainty, vagueness, and puzzlement. A tolerance for ambiguity is important in the workplace because decision-making, whether by managers or by individual workers, nearly always occurs within a context of incomplete information. The phrase “(in)tolerance for […]
The term “trust,” in the context of personality psychology, refers to the personality trait or propensity of believing that other people are generally trustworthy. That is to say that, generally speaking, they are honest, act in good faith, and have the best interests of their organizations at heart, as well […]
The term “vision” refers to the personality trait of bringing broad knowledge and imagination to bear in setting optimal achievable goals and, more generally, in handling situations that require extensive short- and long-term planning. Vision has long been a commonly acknowledged virtue or character trait. However, the wide acceptance of […]
