Which of the Big Five traits has/have been found to impact most strongly on significant life outcomes relating to (1) achievement (both in an occupational and educational context), (2) longevity and health, and (3) relationship dynamics?

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The question asks which Big Five trait has the strongest impact on major life outcomes across three domains: achievement (occupational and educational), longevity/health, and relationship dynamics.
Option A: Agreeableness. While Agreeableness can influence interpersonal relationships and cooperation, the bulk of evidence across these three domains shows that it is not the strongest predictor for achievement or longevity, and its effects on health-related behaviors are typically weaker than those of conscientiousness. Thus, this option underestimates the primary driver in these life outcomes.
Option B: Conscientiousness. This trait is consistently linked to higher academic and occupational performance due to goal-directed, persistent, and organized behaviors. It is also among the strongest predictors of longevity and health because conscientious individuals tend to engage in preventive health behaviors, adhere to routines, and avoid risky activities. In relationships, conscientiousness supports reliability and stability, which correlate with better partner satisfaction and long-term relationship success. Across all three domains, conscientiousness tends to show the strongest and most robust associations compared with other traits.
Option C: Openness/Intellect. Openness is associated with creativity, intellectual curiosity, and adaptability. While these qualities can aid learning and certain career paths, the evidence for Openness as the dominant predictor of achievement, longevity, health, or relationship dynamics is weaker relative to conscientiousness. It does not consistently outperform conscientiousness in the three specified domains.
Option D: All of the above. Given the stronger and more consistent links between conscientiousness and the three life-outcome domains, this blanket option overstates the contribution of the other traits in the same strong way. Agreeableness and Openness do contribute in some contexts, but they do not collectively equal the broad, cross-domain predictive power seen for conscientiousness.
In summary, when considering achievement, health/longevity, and relationship dynamics together, conscientiousness stands out as having the most substantial and reliable impact across these areas, more so than Agreeableness or Openness, and certainly more than a claim that all three are equally strong across all domains.

PSYC20009_2025_SM2 Exam: Personality and Social Psychology (PSYC20009_2025_SM2)- Requires Respondus LockDown Browser

Which of the Big Five traits has/have been found to impact most strongly on significant life outcomes relating to (1) achievement (both in an occupational and educational context), (2) longevity and health, and (3) relationship dynamics?

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