It’s been found in a recent research study conducted by Northwestern University’s Martin Gerlach that there are 4 distinct personalities:  Role model, self-centered, reserved and average.

Research centered around examination of approximately 1.5 million personality inventory questionnaire results through a computerized system.

In their analysis of the results, the research team went by the basic personality traits such as conscientiousness, extroversion, neuroticism, agreeableness and openness. From these different traits, they were able to determine an approximation of four distinct personality types people into which people can be classified. 

• ROLE MODELS usually more women than men, increases much more with age, and are usually people who are dependable, leaders and those who are open to new ideas.

• SELF-CENTERED these people are usually extroverted, not open to new ideas, not very agreeable. Less common with age and not the type you’d want to socialize with. Teenage boys are typical of this personality.

• RESERVED the reserved types are not usually extroverted but are emotionally stable and agreeable.

• AVERAGE this would be the typical person.  They are usually extroverted and more females than males.

This research can very well be a useful tool to help mental health providers and for hiring managers to choose the right person for each position.  It can also help people who are dating in looking for their perfect partner.

Note to parents of teenagers:  as they mature their personality usually changes as older people are usually less neurotic and more agreeable than those who are under the age of 20.