Trait Constructs Only Go So Far When Trying to Understand Human Behaviour

At the broadest level, Hopwood's target article pushes personality scientists to tackle a deceptively simple pair of questions: Why do people do what they do and how can science help them do better? Specifically, he bridges trait constructs with the personality disorders that preoccupy certain clinical psychologists and psychiatrists using interpersonal theory. I identify two strengths of his article and raise a minor concern about the possibility for overreach with his perspective. However, I mostly appreciated how his paper highlighted the importance of addressing big questions with practical implications. (c) 2018 European Association of Personality Psychology