The number of different categories of personality traits can vary depending on the model used to define and categorize them. Here are a few well-known models:
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Five-Factor Model (Big Five): This model categorizes personality traits into five broad domains: Openness, Conscientiousness, Extraversion, Agreeableness, and Neuroticism. So according to this model, the answer would be 5.
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Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI): This model uses four dichotomies to create 16 different personality types, but it doesn't categorize the traits into a fixed number of broad categories.
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Eysenck's Three Dimensions: This model categorizes personality into three broad dimensions: Extraversion-Introversion, Neuroticism-Stability, and Psychoticism.
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16 Personality Factors (Cattell): This model identifies 16 primary factors of personality, which are more specific traits rather than broad categories.
Based on the most commonly referenced model, the Five-Factor Model (Big Five), the answer to your question is 5.