Conscientiousness Trait

Conscientiousness concerns how we control, regulate, and direct our impulses.

Impulses are not inherently bad; under time pressure, acting on your first impulse can be an effective response. Spontaneous, impulsive behavior during leisure can also be enjoyable, and impulsive people may be seen as colorful, exciting, and unconventional. However, acting on impulse without thought can lead to problems, since some impulses may be antisocial.

Conscientiousness is the tendency to exhibit self-discipline, act responsibly, and pursue achievement according to external standards or expectations. It relates to how individuals control, organize, and direct their impulses.

Antisocial acts committed without restraint not only harm others in the community but may also provoke retaliatory responses against the actor. Impulsive actions often yield immediate rewards at the expense of long-term negative consequences; for example, excessive socializing could cost you your job, uttering an insult might break an important relationship, or substance use can damage health over time.

Even non-destructive impulsivity undermines effectiveness in fundamental ways: it impedes consideration of wiser alternatives to the impulsive choice. Impulsivity also distracts individuals during projects requiring a structured sequence of steps, resulting in small, scattered, and inconsistent achievements.

One hallmark of human intelligence is the ability to contemplate future consequences before acting on impulse. Intelligent activity requires thinking about long-term goals, organizing and planning paths to achieve them, and persisting despite passing impulses. The notion that intelligence includes impulse control is captured by the term “prudence,” an alternative label for the conscientiousness domain, signifying both wisdom and caution.

People who score high in conscientiousness are viewed as intelligent, and the benefits of high conscientiousness are clear. Conscientious individuals avoid problems and achieve significant successes through purposeful planning and perseverance; they are regarded by others as reliable and capable.

On the downside, some may become perfectionistic workaholics, and overly conscientious people can seem rigid and dull. Conversely, although those low in conscientiousness may be criticized for unreliability, lack of ambition, and disregard for rules, they enjoy fleeting pleasures and are never described as inflexible.

Self-Efficacy

Self-efficacy refers to confidence in one’s ability to accomplish tasks. High scorers believe they possess the intelligence (sound judgment), motivation, and self-control necessary for success, while low scorers feel ineffective and may believe they lack control.

Orderliness

Individuals high in orderliness are well organized: they prefer schedules and routines, keep lists, and plan ahead. Low scorers tend toward chaos and distraction.

Duty

This facet reflects the strength of one’s sense of moral obligation and responsibility. High scorers have a strong ethical commitment, whereas low scorers feel that contracts, laws, and rules overly restrict their freedom, leading others to view them as untrustworthy or irresponsible.

Achievement Striving

Those high in achievement striving work tirelessly for excellence; their drive for recognition and success keeps them focused on lofty goals. Low scorers are content with minimal effort and may be seen as lazy.

Self-Discipline

Often termed “willpower,” self-discipline is the ability to persist with difficult or unpleasant tasks until completion. High scorers overcome hesitation and remain focused despite distractions, while low scorers procrastinate and lack follow-through, often leaving tasks unfinished even when they wish to complete them.

Cautiousness

Cautiousness reflects the tendency to think through alternatives before deciding. High scorers take their time making decisions, while low scorers act immediately without considering potential alternatives and consequences.