 2. History, Measurement, and Conceptual Elaboration of the Big‑Five Trait Taxonomy  61
TABLE 2.6.  Developing Social–Emotional Skills for the School Context: Domains and Facets Assessed 
in the SENNA Questionnaire for Youth (Primi et al., in press)
Big Five Facets Specific skills
C: Conscientious 
Self-ManagementDetermination Setting goals and high standards, motivating themselves, 
working hard, and applying themselves fully to the task, work, 
or project at hand
Organization Organizing and preparing details needed for executing plans to 
reach longer-term goals
Focus Focusing attention and concentrating exclusively on the current 
task, and avoiding distractions
Persistence Overcoming obstacles in order to reach important goals
Responsibility Making choices (e.g., managing time) conducive to meeting 
expectations and commitments in work, social, or moral realms
E: Engaging with 
OthersSocial initiative Approaching and connecting with others, both friends and 
strangers, initiating, maintaining, and enjoying social contact 
and connections
Assertiveness Being able to speak up, voicing personal opinions, needs, and 
feelings, and exerting social influence
Enthusiasm Showing passion and zest for life; approaching daily tasks with 
energy, excitement, and a positive attitude
A: Amity (vs. 
Enmity)Compassion Using empathy and perspective taking skills to understand the 
needs and feelings of others, acting on that understanding with 
kindness and consideration of others
Respect Treating others with tact, politeness, and respect and 
controlling aggressive or selfish impulses
Trust Being able to recognize others that are well-intentioned and 
forgiving those that have done wrong
N: Negative 
Emotion RegulationStress modulation Being effective in responding to stress and modulating anxiety 
in high-pressure situations
Self-confidence Thinking positive thoughts about oneself, feel content with self 
and current life, and maintaining optimistic expectations
Frustration 
toleranceUsing effective strategies for regulating temper, anger, and 
irritation; maintaining tranquillity and equanimity in the face 
of frustrations
O: Open-
MindednessIntellectual 
curiosityMustering interest in ideas and cultivating a passion for 
learning, understanding, and intellectual exploration
Creative 
imaginationGenerating novel ways to think about or do things through 
experimenting, tinkering, learning from failure, insight, and 
vision
Artistic interest Valuing, appreciating, and enjoying art, design, and beauty, 
which may be experienced or expressed in writing, visual and 
performing arts, music, and other forms of self-actualization