Gordon Allport's trait theory of personality includes three types of traits:
Cardinal traits
These traits are rare and dominant, and they shape a person's entire life. They tend to develop later in life and can become so defining that a person's name becomes synonymous with their personality.
Central traits
These are common traits that influence behavior in various situations. Examples include kindness, honesty, and friendliness.
Secondary traits
These traits are only present under certain conditions and circumstances. For example, getting nervous before delivering a speech to a large group of people.
Allport's theory also emphasizes the importance of studying individuals holistically and understanding the complexity of human personality. He believed that personality is biologically determined at birth, and shaped by a person's environmental experience.
