Big Five Theory of Personality

Another important trait approach is the Big Five Factor model, offered by Paul Costa and Robert McCrae. Also called the Five Factor Model of Personality, it is popularly remembered by the acronym OCEAN: Openness, Conscientiousness, Extraversion, Agreeableness and Neuroticism.

Each of the five factors is best understood as a continuum, running from high reflected characteristics at one end to low at the other:

Openness to Experience (Imaginative vs Narrow Interest). Openness ranges from being imaginative, humorous, intellectual, creative, curious and open to ideas at one end, to being closed to experience, suspicious and rigid at the other. In sport, athletes scoring high on openness show new ideas, take the initiative in executing skills, and bring variety to their play.

Extraversion (Enthusiastic vs Reserved). Extraversion ranges from enthusiasm, energy, positive emotion, talkativeness and assertiveness at one end to being reserved, sober and cautious at the other. High scorers are sociable and outgoing and seek stimulation in company; low scorers prefer solitude or small groups. People high on both extraversion and openness are more likely to take up adventure and risky sports because of their curious, excitement-seeking nature.

Conscientiousness (Organized vs Easy-going). Conscientiousness ranges from well-organised, careful, responsible, hardworking and dependable at one end to relaxed, spontaneous, disorganised and careless at the other. Studies show a positive link between conscientiousness and thinking skills: high scorers tend to perform better in academics and in sport wherever planning, organising and decision-making matter.

Agreeableness (Friendly vs Un-Cooperative). Agreeableness reflects compassion, ranging from good-natured, cooperative and trusting at one end to suspicious, irritable and uncooperative at the other. It measures how helpful, friendly and nurturing a person is. Low scorers tend to be antagonistic and are often described as rude and unkind.

Neuroticism (Composed vs Nervous). Neuroticism concerns emotional stability, ranging from poised, calm and composed at one end to nervous, anxious and excitable at the other. High scorers tend to feel unpleasant emotions and can act impulsively or with hostility, while low scorers stay calm and even-tempered. An athlete's performance is strongly affected by neurotic tendencies, and current findings support exercise and physical activity as an alternative therapy for managing neurotic behaviour.