Four big problems of big five agreeableness

Abstract

We review four major problems of Big Five Agreeableness (B5A). First, whereas aspects of pro-sociality and ethicality are shared across theoretical definitions of B5A, B5A as it is typically measured insufficiently accounts for corresponding behaviors and other relevant outcomes. Second, an alternative model of personality structure – the HEXACO and its Honesty-Humility dimension in particular – does account for these gaps. Third, invalidating the counter-argument that broader traits are necessarily inferior at predicting specific outcomes, a single broad trait – the dark factor of personality – also accounts for outcomes insufficiently covered by B5A. Fourth and finally, there are considerable discrepancies between B5A operationalizations, leading to multiple jingle-fallacies. We conclude by summarizing the steps necessary to salvage B5A.