Jordan Peterson, the renowned Canadian psychologist, has gained significant attention for his work on personality theory and its practical applications. One of the key tools he uses in his practice and teachings is the Big Five personality traits, also known as the Five Factor Model (FFM).
Peterson's use of the Big Five is not surprising, given its wide acceptance and extensive research backing. However, he often presents this model in a unique way, tying it into his broader philosophical and practical teachings. Let's delve into the specifics of what personality test Jordan Peterson uses and how he interprets it.
The Big Five Personality Traits
The Big Five personality traits are a widely used model in psychology, describing human personality in terms of five broad dimensions. These traits are Openness, Conscientiousness, Extraversion, Agreeableness, and Neuroticism, often abbreviated as OCEAN or CANOE.
Peterson often discusses these traits in the context of personal growth and self-improvement. He believes that understanding and managing these aspects of one's personality can lead to increased self-awareness and better decision-making.
Openness
Openness, according to Peterson, is about our willingness to consider new ideas and experiences. He often emphasizes the importance of intellectual humility, which he sees as a part of this trait. He encourages individuals to be open to new perspectives and to question their own beliefs.
Peterson uses the example of his own intellectual journey to illustrate this. He often shares how his views have evolved over time, demonstrating the value of openness to new ideas.
Conscientiousness
Conscientiousness, for Peterson, is about responsibility and dependability. He sees this trait as crucial for achieving long-term goals and leading a productive life. He often discusses the importance of setting and sticking to personal rules, which he sees as a manifestation of conscientiousness.
Peterson's self-imposed rule of 'saying what you think' is a prime example of this. He believes that such rules help individuals take responsibility for their lives and actions.
Jordan Peterson's Interpretation of the Big Five
Peterson's interpretation of the Big Five is not just about describing personality, but also about providing a framework for personal growth. He believes that understanding and managing these traits can help individuals overcome suffering and lead more meaningful lives.
He often uses the metaphor of a 'house' to illustrate this. He sees the Big Five as the 'foundation' of our personality, and our actions and decisions as the 'house' we build on top of that foundation. He argues that understanding our personality foundation can help us build a better house.
Peterson's Use of the Big Five in Therapy
In his clinical practice, Peterson uses the Big Five to help his clients understand their personality and behavior. He believes that this understanding can help them make better decisions and lead more fulfilling lives.
He often uses the Big Five to help his clients set and achieve personal goals. For example, he might use the trait of Conscientiousness to help a client set a goal to improve their time management skills.
Peterson's Critique of the Big Five
While Peterson finds the Big Five useful, he also has criticisms of the model. He often expresses concern about the lack of a moral dimension in the Big Five. He believes that a truly comprehensive personality theory should account for moral development and behavior.
Peterson also critiques the Big Five for being too focused on the present. He believes that a truly comprehensive personality theory should also account for our past and our future.
In conclusion, Jordan Peterson's use of the Big Five personality traits is not just about describing personality, but about providing a framework for personal growth and self-improvement. By understanding and managing these traits, Peterson believes, we can lead more meaningful and fulfilling lives. However, he also acknowledges the limitations of the Big Five and encourages a critical and thoughtful approach to personality theory.