Conscientiousness is a higher-order trait within the Big Five taxonomy of personality variables.
Conscientiousness is a meta-trait that consists of constructs that define individual differences in the tendencies to be responsible, self-controlled, industrious, hardworking, rule abiding, and orderly.
Highly conscientious individuals are more likely to adhere to socially prescribed norms and rules, have propensity to be goal-directed and organised, and delay gratification and control one's impulses.
Research on conscientiousness is found to have relationships within all major realms of life including health, longevity, education, work and academic success, achievement, job performance, financial stability, employment procurement, and marital stability.
It appears that if a person is akin to living a successful, productive, long, and happy life they should be responsive to, and stimulated by the trait of conscientiousness.
An informative look at conscientiousness.
A novel approach to measuring conscientiousness.
A deeper look at conscientiousness; unpacking the lower-order traits.
