Which concept states that personality is made up of stable characteristics that consistently influence how a person thinks and behaves?

• A. Self Esteem
• B. Traits
• C. Trait Theories
• D. Big Five Theory

Answer: (C)

Traits are stable, enduring characteristics that shape how a person tends to think, feel, and act across different situations. Trait theories propose that these dispositions persist over time and contexts, producing consistent patterns of behavior. This framing explains why someone who scores high on conscientiousness tends to be organized and reliable in various settings. Self-esteem, by contrast, is about how a person feels about themselves, not about the underlying, stable traits that drive general behavior. The Big Five Theory is a specific model within trait theories, outlining five broad dimensions, but the broader concept being tested is that personality is made up of stable traits that consistently influence thoughts and actions.