Jordan Peterson Big 5 Personality Test

2 min read 16-12-2024

Jordan Peterson, the renowned clinical psychologist and author, has significantly influenced discussions surrounding personality and its impact on individual lives. While he doesn't have a specific "Jordan Peterson Big Five Personality Test," his work frequently touches upon the five core personality traits defined by the Big Five model (also known as the OCEAN model): Openness, Conscientiousness, Extraversion, Agreeableness, and Neuroticism. Understanding how Peterson's views align with these traits can provide valuable insights into his philosophy and approach to self-improvement.

The Big Five and Peterson's Philosophy

Peterson's emphasis on personal responsibility, striving for meaning, and facing life's challenges directly aligns with aspects of several Big Five traits.

Openness to Experience: Embracing Complexity

Peterson consistently encourages embracing the complexities of life, exploring new ideas, and engaging with diverse perspectives. This reflects a high score in Openness to Experience, a trait characterized by intellectual curiosity, imagination, and a preference for novelty. His exploration of mythology, his willingness to engage in challenging debates, and his advocacy for individual exploration all point to this aspect of his personality.

Conscientiousness: Self-Discipline and Responsibility

Central to Peterson's philosophy is the importance of self-discipline, responsibility, and the pursuit of meaningful goals. These are hallmarks of high Conscientiousness. His emphasis on structuring one's life, fulfilling obligations, and striving for self-improvement strongly suggests a high score in this area.

Extraversion: The Power of Introspection

While Peterson is a compelling public speaker and engages effectively with audiences, his work also highlights the importance of introspection and thoughtful contemplation. This doesn't necessarily equate to a low score in Extraversion, but it suggests a more balanced approach, prioritizing depth of thought over constant social interaction. He is effectively an extrovert in his professional life, but his emphasis on personal responsibility points to a degree of introspective thoughtfulness in his personal life.

Agreeableness: Navigating Conflict

Peterson's engagement in controversial debates and his unwavering commitment to his viewpoints might lead some to assume a lower Agreeableness score. However, it's important to differentiate between agreeableness as a trait and the willingness to compromise on core principles. His focus on truth-seeking and constructive critique might be interpreted as a less agreeable approach, but it doesn’t necessarily mean a low score. It's more likely that his approach is complex and doesn't neatly fit into a simple high/low categorization.

Neuroticism: Confronting Anxiety

Peterson acknowledges the prevalence of anxiety and suffering in the human condition. He doesn't shy away from discussing these challenging aspects of life, emphasizing the need to confront them rather than avoid them. This doesn't imply a high score in Neuroticism, indicating instability or excessive worry. Instead, it suggests a willingness to grapple with difficult emotions and use them as catalysts for personal growth. A more accurate description would be high emotional resilience.

Conclusion: A Complex Personality

It's impossible to definitively assign specific Big Five scores to Jordan Peterson based solely on his public persona and writings. However, analyzing his work through the lens of the Big Five model offers valuable insights into the key personality traits that likely underpin his philosophy and approach to life. His emphasis on personal responsibility, the pursuit of meaning, and the importance of confronting challenges illuminates a complex personality that defies simple categorization.