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TABLE 2.2.  The OCEAN of Personality: Definition and Explication of the Big Five Domains in Terms of Lower-Order Facets, Behavioral Examples, and Prediction 
of External Criteria
Factor initial 
(number)Big Five domains
E 
(Factor 1)A 
(Factor 2)C 
(Factor 3)N 
(Factor 4)O 
(Factor 5)
Original label Extraversion Agreeableness Conscientiousness Neuroticism Openness
Conceptual 
definitionImplies an energetic 
approach  toward the social 
and material worldContrasts a prosocial and 
communal orientation  
toward others with antago -
nism and hostilityDescribes socially prescribed 
impulse control  that facili -
tates task- and goal-directed 
behaviorContrasts negative emo -
tionality  with emotional 
stability, contentment, and 
frustration toleranceDescribes the breadth, 
depth, originality, and 
complexity of the person’s 
mental and experiential life
Major facets Sociability  
Assertiveness 
EnergyCompassion 
Respect  
TrustOrganization  
Productiveness 
ResponsibilityAnxiety  
Depression  
VolatilityOpenness  
Originality 
Open-mindedness
Behavioral 
examplesApproach strangers at a 
party and introduce myself; 
take the lead in organizing 
a project; keep quiet when I 
disagree with others (R)Emphasize the good quali -
ties of other people when I 
talk about them; lend things 
to people I know (e.g., class 
notes, books, milk); console 
a friend who is upsetArrive early or on time for 
appointments; study hard 
in order to get the highest 
grade in class; double-check 
a term paper for typing and 
spelling errors; let dirty 
dishes stack up for more 
than 1 day (R)Accept the good and the bad 
in my life without complain -
ing or bragging (R); get 
upset when somebody is 
angry with me; take it easy 
and relax (R)Take the time to learn 
something simply for the joy 
of learning; watch documen -
taries or educational TV; 
come up with novel set-ups 
for my living space; look for 
stimulating activities that 
break up my routine
Examples 
of external 
criteria 
predictedHigh pole:  Social status 
in groups and leadership 
positions; selection as jury 
foreperson; positive emo -
tion expression; number of 
friends and sex partners; 
social and enterprising 
career interests
Low pole: Poorer relation -
ships with parents; rejection 
from peersHigh pole:  Better perfor -
mance in work groups; 
religiosity
Low pole: Risk for cardio -
vascular disease; juvenile 
delinquency; interpersonal 
problems; antisocial and 
criminal behaviorHigh pole:  Higher academic 
grade point average; better 
job performance; adherence 
to their treatment regimens; 
live longer lives; conservative 
political views
Low pole: Smoking, sub -
stance abuse, and poor diet 
and exercise habits; ADHDHigh pole:  Poorer coping 
and reactions to illness; 
experience burnout and 
change jobs; self-harm and 
suicide
Low pole: Feel satisfied and 
committed to work organi -
zations; greater relationship 
satisfaction; higher subjec -
tive well-beingHigh pole:  Years of educa -
tion completed; better 
performance on creativ -
ity tests; create distinctive 
looking work and home 
environments; investigative 
and artistic career interests; 
liberal political views
Low pole: Conservative 
attitudes and right-wing 
political preferences
Note . Conceptual definitions are based on John and Srivastava (1999). Major facets (see also Table 2.3) are based on the literature review by Soto and John (2017a, 2017b). Behavioral examples are 
based on significant correlations between BFI scales and self-reported act frequencies in an undergraduate sample (John, Naumann, & Soto, 2008). (R) denotes that the act was correlated negatively 
with the Big Five domain. For more examples of predictive validity criteria and relevant references, see the text and Soto (2019, 2020a).