Osebnost

Osebnost, in Slovenian usage, refers to the relatively stable constellation of traits, dispositions, and patterns of thinking, feeling, and behaving that characterize an individual and differentiate them from others. It encompasses tendencies in perception, emotion, motivation, and social interaction, and tends to persist across time and situations.

The term is formed from oseba (person) plus the suffix -nost meaning state or quality; in Slovenian psychology it commonly denotes what English speakers call personality. In everyday language it may be used more loosely for character or temperament; academic writing often distinguishes between temperament (biological tendencies) and character (moral and volitional aspects).

In psychology, research aims to describe, explain, and predict stable patterns of behavior. The most influential theories treat personality in terms of traits—enduring dispositions such as extraversion or conscientiousness—often measured with standardized inventories.

Personality develops from genetic and environmental influences and tends to stabilize through adolescence and adulthood, though it can change in response to significant life experiences, psychotherapy, or deliberate self-change.

Knowledge of osebnost informs clinical assessment, education, counseling, and human resources. Cross-cultural research recognizes both universal trait concepts and culturally specific expressions of personality.