A Critical Analysis of Current Trait Theory

Many current trait theorists suggest that a consensus is emerging around the Big Five as the basic structure of personality. This target article gives critical consideration to the nature of the evidence supporting such a view as well as to more fundamental issues concerning the conceptual status of the trait concept. It is argued that the evidence is less supportive and convincing than is suggested by trait enthusiasts, that there are fundamental problems with the trait concept, and that the trait model is not the only personality model to recognize consistency and coherence in functioning.