Question

Mother Teresa believed that she had a mission to fulfil and did what came natural to her, loving others and serving them. Identify the trait being referred to here by Gordon Allport and how it affects a person's behaviour. Distinguish it from other traits given by him.

Answer 1

• Traits being referred to here are Cardinal traits
• They are highly generalised dispositions. They indicate the goal around which a person's entire life seems to revolve. In this case Mother Teresa’s helping and loving nature could be seen in her work and all other areas.
• Other traits proposed by Allport are Central traits
• Secondary traits