Behaviour vs. Personality — What's the Difference?
By Urooj Arif & Fiza Rafique — Updated on May 14, 2024
Behaviour refers to the observable actions and reactions of an individual, often influenced by specific situations, whereas personality encompasses the enduring characteristics and traits that define a person's consistent patterns of feeling and thinking.
Difference Between Behaviour and Personality
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Behaviour is the external display of actions and reactions that can be observed and measured in real time, often triggered by specific situations or environments. Whereas personality consists of deeper, enduring traits and characteristics that manifest consistently across various situations and over time.
While behaviour can change based on external conditions such as social settings or immediate stimuli, personality is relatively stable and changes infrequently, reflecting the core attributes that make each individual unique. On the other hand, personality traits influence how a person typically reacts to situations, indirectly shaping their behaviour.
In psychology, behaviour is often studied through direct observation and experimentation to understand how individuals react to different scenarios. On the other hand, personality is typically assessed using psychological tests and questionnaires designed to reveal stable traits and predispositions.
Behaviour can be consciously modified through practices such as therapy, training, or personal effort. Whereas, altering one’s personality generally requires deeper, more sustained psychological interventions as it is rooted in the individual's long-term traits and emotional patterns.
In everyday interactions, people might adjust their behaviour to conform to societal norms or professional demands. Conversely, personality traits such as introversion or extroversion influence these adjustments and how one inherently prefers to interact with the world.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Observable actions and reactions
Enduring traits and characteristics
Stability
Variable, can change with situations
Relatively stable, defines consistent patterns
Basis of Study
Observed through actions and reactions
Assessed through tests and introspection
Modifiability
Often easily modified
Harder to change, requires deep intervention
Influence
Affected by external situations
Influences reactions and behavioural patterns
Compare with Definitions
Behaviour
Can be consciously controlled or modified.
He modified his behaviour to appear more polite at the formal dinner.
Personality
The combination of characteristics or qualities that form an individual's distinctive character.
Her personality is bubbly and outgoing.
Behaviour
Actions or reactions of an individual in response to external or internal stimuli.
She showed aggressive behaviour during the debate.
Personality
Influences, but is distinct from, an individual's mood and emotions.
Despite being generally cheerful, her personality is quite complex.
Behaviour
Often studied in psychology to understand human interactions.
The study focused on children’s behaviour in group settings.
Personality
Considered more stable and enduring over time.
His personality has remained consistent even in different stages of his life.
Behaviour
May vary significantly in different environments.
His behaviour at work is very different from at home.
Personality
Shapes how an individual perceives the world and reacts to it.
Due to his cautious personality, he avoids risky situations.
Behaviour
Can be a result of both conscious and unconscious processes.
Automatically saying thank you is a learnt behaviour.
Personality
Personality is defined as the characteristic sets of behaviors, cognitions, and emotional patterns that evolve from biological and environmental factors. While there is no generally agreed upon definition of personality, most theories focus on motivation and psychological interactions with one's environment.
Behaviour
The way in which one acts or conducts oneself, especially towards others
Behaviour patterns
Management is a set of techniques and behaviours for getting things done
He will vouch for her good behaviour
His insulting behaviour towards me
Personality
The combination of characteristics or qualities that form an individual's distinctive character
She had a sunny personality that was very engaging
She has triumphed by sheer force of personality
Behaviour
Variant of behavior.
Personality
A celebrity or famous person
An official opening by a famous personality
Behaviour
Standard spelling of behavior#Noun
Personality
The quality or fact of being a person as distinct from a thing or animal.
Behaviour
The action or reaction of something (as a machine or substance) under specified circumstances;
The behavior of small particles can be studied in experiments
Personality
Disparaging remarks about an individual.
Behaviour
(behavioral attributes) the way a person behaves toward other people
Personality
The totality of qualities and traits, as of character or behavior, that are peculiar to a specific person.
Behaviour
(psychology) the aggregate of the responses or reactions or movements made by an organism in any situation
Personality
The totality of behavioral traits that are peculiar to a specific nonhuman animal
A hyena with an assertive personality.
Behaviour
Manner of acting or conducting yourself
Personality
The totality of qualities that distinguish a group, organization, or place
The personality of the business changed dramatically over the years.
Personality
The collection of distinctive qualities of a person, especially those distinguishing personal characteristics that make one socially appealing
Won the election more on personality than on capability.
Personality
The quality or condition of being a person.
Personality
A person as the embodiment of distinctive traits of mind and behavior.
Personality
A person of prominence or notoriety
Television personalities.
Personality
The distinctive characteristics of a place or situation
Furnishings that give a room personality.
Personality
Personalities An offensive or disparaging personal remark
Let's not engage in personalities.
Personality
(of people) A set of non-physical psychological and social qualities that make one person distinct from another.
The president has a unique personality.
Personality
(of inanimate or abstract things) A set of qualities that make something distinctive or interesting.
His writing has a lot of personality.
This functional concrete building lacks personality.
Personality
An assumed role or manner of behavior.
In his final act, the comedian takes on a child's personality.
Personality
A celebrity, especially one with a strong media presence.
Johnny Carson was a respected television personality.
Personality
Charisma, or qualities that make a person stand out from the crowd.
The best contestant shows most personality.
Personality
Something said or written which refers to the person, conduct, etc., of some individual, especially something of a disparaging or offensive nature; personal remarks.
Indulgence in personalities
Personality
(legal) That quality of a law which concerns the condition, state, and capacity of persons
Personality
That which constitutes distinction of person; the externally evident aspects of the character or behavior of a person; individuality.
Personality is individuality existing in itself, but with a nature as a ground.
Personality
Something said or written which refers to the person, conduct, etc., of some individual, especially something of a disparaging or offensive nature; personal remarks; as, indulgence in personalities.
Sharp personalities were exchanged.
Personality
That quality of a law which concerns the condition, state, and capacity of persons.
Personality
A person who is famous or notable; a celebrity.
Personality
The complex of all the attributes--behavioral, temperamental, emotional and mental--that characterize a unique individual;
Their different reactions reflected their very different personalities
It is his nature to help others
Personality
A person of considerable prominence;
She is a Hollywood personality
Personality
Assessed through psychological profiles and tests.
The Myers-Briggs test categorizes her personality as INFJ.
Common Curiosities
Is behaviour easier to change than personality?
Yes, behaviour is often more malleable and can be adjusted more readily than the more ingrained aspects of personality.
What is personality?
Personality encompasses the enduring traits and characteristics that define how a person consistently thinks, feels, and behaves.
Can personality influence behaviour?
Yes, personality traits heavily influence how a person behaves across different situations.
How are behaviour and personality assessed?
Behaviour is assessed through observation, while personality is often evaluated using psychological tests.
Why is understanding behaviour important?
Understanding behaviour helps in predicting and modifying human actions in various contexts, such as education and therapy.
How does behaviour differ from personality?
Behaviour is observable and can change with situations, while personality is stable and shapes overall patterns of behaviour.
What is behaviour?
Behaviour refers to the observable actions and reactions of an individual, influenced by their environment and internal states.
What role does personality play in personal development?
Personality traits can drive personal growth and development, influencing career choices, relationships, and life satisfaction.
Can external events affect one's personality?
While personality is stable, significant life events or long-term changes in environment can sometimes influence personality traits.
How do psychologists study behaviour and personality?
Psychologists use experimental and observational methods for behaviour and psychological tests and historical analysis for personality.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
