Following on from the previous post about freedom, security, and risk, I once had a discussion about the possibility that our leanings toward one or the other has to do with our personalities and preferences.

The 2 traits discussed were, referencing the Big Five, that of Openness to Experience and Neuroticism.

The thought goes that:

High Openness and Low Neuroticism may favour leaning towards freedom (and higher risk).

Low Openness and High Neuroticism may favour the opposite - leaning instead towards security and stability.

If Openness and Neuroticism are both high or both low, then they may be somewhere in the middle, depending on their other personality traits.

Perhaps they enjoy freedom, but within a certain umbrella of security, possibly determined by themselves.

Obviously, not being psychologists, these are only speculations. Nevertheless, it was an interesting discussion.

If you happen to know your Big Five traits, and you've figured out your tendency towards freedom / security, I'd like to hear your thoughts on this.