Agreeableness

Agreeableness is one of the five broad dimensions of personality in the standard Big Five model. It reflects a tendency to be compassionate and cooperative rather than suspicious and antagonistic toward others. In common assessments, agreeableness includes facets such as trust, straightforwardness, altruism, compliance, modesty, and tender-mindedness, which together describe warmth, empathy, and a concern for social harmony.

People high in agreeableness are typically cooperative, helpful, and considerate of others’ needs. They tend to avoid conflict, prefer collaborative approaches, and are often motivated by altruistic or prosocial concerns. Those scoring low may be more skeptical, competitive, or direct, sometimes leading to more disagreements or assertiveness in social interactions.

Agreeableness is influenced by genetics and environment, and while it tends to be relatively stable in adulthood, it can change with life experiences, culture, and training. Cultural norms can shape how agreeableness is expressed, with some traditions prioritizing social harmony and others emphasizing individual autonomy and assertiveness.

In research, agreeableness is associated with positive social outcomes such as strong interpersonal relationships, social support, and cooperation in team settings. It can correlate with beneficial health and well-being through better social networks, though it may relate to lower tolerance for conflict in high-stakes negotiations and sometimes to vulnerabilities in environments that reward aggression or ruthless competition. Some criticisms note overlapping variance with related traits and challenges in cross-cultural measurement.