It is considered that personality relates to the specific traits a person displays. A trait is a characteristic, which can be related to a person, for example ‘laziness’. Therefore Peterson (1998) suggests that is a combination of these traits which results in personality. As with any construct in psychology there are numerous theories behind personality. The most common used theory in the literature currently is The Five Factor Model of Personality (FFM) used by many in their writing (Wiggins, 1996; Bleidorn et al. 2010; Allen et al., 2013). The FFM, according to the APA Dictionary of Psychology, includes extraversion, neuroticism, conscientiousness, agreeableness, and openness to experience as the factors which effect personality. Extraversion …show more content…
This relates to the ability or techniques used by an athlete to deal with psychological stressors such as anxiety. Allen et al. (2011) have discussed how different trait dominance results in different coping strategies being displayed. This could be important form a coach’s perspective due to the fact that understanding their trait dominance and the coping strategy which is associated with bringing the best results for that trait, it is possible to individualise direction given to players regarding coping. In return, an athlete who is able to cope with the psychological pressure present in sport is likely to perform better. Furthermore, as a coach you are in a position to see whether an athlete is adopting an undesirable coping strategy and can work to improve the coping strategy to improve its effectiveness and benefit subsequent performance. Outside of the natural realms of sport, personality is also said to influence psychological well-being and physical health (Ozer & Benet-Martinez, 2006). Ozer and Benet-Martinez (2006), highlight how those with a more positive personality, higher in extraversion and conscientiousness, are likely to live