Personality dimensions in nonhuman animals: A cross-species review
Publication Type: |
Journal Article |
Year of Publication: |
1999 |
Authors: |
S.D. Gosling, O.P. John |
Publication/Journal: |
Current Directions in Psychological Science |
Keywords: |
big five, cross-species, personality, temperament, traits |
ISBN: |
0963-7214 |
Abstract:
The evolutionary continuity between humans and other animals suggests that some dimensions of personality may be common across a wide range of species. Unfortunately, there is no unified body of research on animal personality; studies are dispered across multiple disciplines and diverse journals. To review 19 studies of personality factors in 12 nonhuman species, we used the human Five-Factor Model plus Dominance and Activity as a preliminary framework. Extraversion, Neuroticism, and Agreeableness showed the strongest cross-species generality, followed by Openness; a separate Conscientiousness dimension appeared only in chimpanzees, humans’ closest relatives. Cross-species evidence was modest for a separate Dominance dimension but scant for Activity. The comparative approach taken here offers a fresh perspective on human personality and should facilitate hypothesis-driven research on the social and biological bases of personality.