Returning from the Wilderness
The study of personality has been plagued by a series of major disputes which has led many career development practitioners to conclude that it has little to offer them. However, more recently a striking consensus has emerged about the underlying dimensions of human trait ratings. This consensus has been designated ‘the Big Five’ and comprises Extroversion, Agreeableness, Conscientiousness, Neuroticism, and Openness. An impressive range of data has been marshalled in support of these dimensions including that derived from self ratings, peer ratings, existing questionnaires, research across languages, culture, gender, and age, and reanalysis of other theoretical frameworks. Some limitations of ‘the Big Five’ are outlined along with their practical application to education and work. Some further ways in which these dimensions may be usefully applied to the career development field are also adumbrated. It is concluded that it is now appropriate to incorporate personality research and assessment into both the theory and practice of career development.