Individual differences: The predictor of choices

                                                                                                                                 Author: Ushna Nawaz

Each individual makes choices daily, and each individual makes a different choice. Different choices are based on different thought patterns, and the different thought patterns come from individual differences. Individual differences play a major role in making choices in our routine life. Individual differences are developed in the early stages of life; as a study was conducted on young children to investigate the individual differences in achieving goals, it was indicated that the emergence of individual differences in achieving goals occurs at an early age (Smiley, & Dweck, 1994). 

The magnitude and form of dissimilarities among individuals on various significant emotional components, cognitive and personal features and psychological traits refer to individual differences, and these individual differences made one’s personality. And each person makes choices according to his taste and one that suits his personality. From appearance to lifestyle, each and everything aspect of living is depicting individual differences such as the choice about dresses, shoes, perfumes, eating habits, how to organize one’s home, and the shows being watched.  

A study was conducted on how an individual chooses fragrance, and it was revealed from this study that usually people choose those perfumes that are attracted well with their body odor and bring more pleasant effect (Lenochová et al., 2012). 


The choices individual made about the scent also reveals their personalities as those who choose rose scent are careful and sensitive about oneself and others too; those individuals who like lavender are social butterflies, values friendships and curious; those people who like vanilla are energetic, lively, and partyer; those people who like to spray sandalwood set their goal high and have very high standards; those having mood swings tend to like fruity fragrance; those individuals who intend to use sartorialists are sensitive, they take others criticism for them serious and are stylish; those persons who like linen are challenge takers, they work more than they talk, and hard workers; those individuals who like to use gardenia are like to be secure and to be in their comfort zone; those who use honeysuckle are humble, understand others well, and pleasure-seeking (easy-going); those who like jasmine scent are adventurous and love to do exciting stuff. 
       Our society consists of various personalities, and each personality has something special with it; individuals also make decisions according to their personality. Our personality affects our decisions and choices very much. Usually, five of the following personality traits are accepted worldwide:
o Neuroticism
o Openness
o Agreeableness
o Conscientiousness
o Extraversion vs. Introversion
Neurotic personality and Decision Making
           The neurotic individuals are self-lovers and moody. They mostly experience negative emotions such as anxiety, guilt, depression, envy, loneliness, jealousy, anger, and fear. They are more moody than average. In making decisions, they are not good; they make hasty (spontaneous) decisions and usually such choices that are not stable. A research was conducted in which it was proved that Neuroticism was positively related to spontaneous decision-making style and had a dependent decision-making style (Bayram, & Aydemir, 2017). 
Openness and Decision Making
           The individual having this personality trait is open to new experiences and enjoys adventure. They like variety in their lives. They are imaginative and intellectually curious as well as intelligent. They are good decision-makers and use rational decision-making styles (Bayram, & Aydemir, 2017).
Agreeableness and Decision Making
           Those who possess this personality are warm and kind. These people have good interpersonal skills and are likable and cooperative. They use a dependent style to make decisions. This personality has a positive link with an intuitive and dependent decision-making style (Bayram, & Aydemir, 2017).
Conscientiousness and Decision Making
           The person having this personality trait tends to be responsible and goal-oriented. They are independent and organized. The person with this personality uses a rational decision-making style avoiding the dependent and spontaneous decision-making style (Bayram, & Aydemir, 2017). They are the planners.
Extraversion, Introversion and Decision Making
    The extroverts are outgoing, social butterflies, cheerful, and assertive. Extraversion personality has a positive link with spontaneous decision-making style and a negative link with avoidant decision-making (Bayram, & Aydemir, 2017). On the other hand, introverts have small social groups, prefer to be with them rather than with others. Introverts are self-confident, and they do not depend on others to take the decision. 
         Many other studies prove that individual differences (various personalities) have a link with decision-making. In 2012 Riaz and Batool revealed that personality types associate with decision-making styles (Riaz, Riaz, & Batool, 2012). 

Another study was conducted to examine the relationship between personality types and decision-making. This study found that decision-making was positively linked with Conscientiousness (Khiruddin, & Omar, 2011).
Conclusion
From the above discussion, it can be concluded that individual differences play a significant role in developing our personality and decision-making. The choices people made, and their career choices, the way of life they decide to walk on all are decisions people make are based on their personalities.

 

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