EVOLUTION, THE 5-FACTOR MODEL, AND LEVELS OF PERSONALITY

This article interprets the five-factor model as subsuming variation i n normative, species-typical systems with adaptive functions in the hu man environment of evolutionary adaptedness. It is argued that the evo lutionary logic of personality systems is apparent in the patterning o f mean sex differences in personality. Personality systems are concept ualized as evolved motivational systems with an affective core. The ev olved motive dispositions at the core of personality anchor a hierarch y of levels of cognitive and behavioral functioning aimed at attaining or avoiding the affective states central to these personality systems . Personality systems are seen as often in dynamic conflict within ind ividuals and as highly compartmentalized in their functioning between settings. While variation in personality consists of a range of viable strategies for humans, extremes on these systems tend to be maladapti ve, although in at least some cases individuals who approach the malad aptive extremes of individual variation may be viewed as engaging in h igh-risk evolutionary strategies. Within this wide range of viable str ategies, personality variation functions as a resource environment for individuals in the sense that personality variation is evaluated acco rding to the interests of the evaluator.