What Is Personality?

Personality is the relatively stable pattern of thoughts, emotions, motivations, and behaviours that makes each person distinctive. In this lesson, we define what psychologists mean by personality, distinguish it from temporary states and social roles, and show why it matters in everyday life and in psychological science.

You will also see why personality is best understood as a pattern rather than a single trait, how it can be described at different levels of analysis, and why careful definitions are essential before personality can be measured, compared, or applied in work, relationships, and wellbeing.