Author Name:- Jagriti Puri / Date:- January 2024
Abstract
This comprehensive review explores the intricate relationship between cognitive flexibility and personality traits, with a particular focus on the Five-Factor Model (FFM) of personality. Cognitive flexibility, a crucial component of executive functions, enables individuals to adapt their thinking and behavior in response to changing environments and novel challenges. Through an extensive examination of current empirical studies and theoretical discussions, this paper synthesizes findings on how varying dimensions of personality, particularly openness, conscientiousness, extraversion, agreeableness, and neuroticism, influence and are influenced by cognitive flexibility. The review reveals a consistent association between openness and enhanced cognitive flexibility, while illustrating a more complex and nuanced relationship for other personality traits. The findings highlight the role of individual differences in cognitive processes and suggest that personality profiles may significantly impact an individual’s adaptive cognitive abilities. This synthesis not only contributes to a deeper understanding of the cognitive mechanisms underlying personality traits but also underscores the importance of considering personality dimensions in cognitive flexibility interventions and research.
