Extraversion is not a filter, neuroticism is not an outcome: A reply to lawton

Although Lawton acknowledges that Extraversion is positively, and Neuroticism negatively, related to subjective well-being, he misinterprets the natures of these two broad personality traits. "Extraversion" refers to two quite different conceptions in personality theory, and Lawton has based his discussion on the wrong one. The mood variability and environmental sensitivity he attributes to extraverts is better seen as a result of the personality dimension of Openness to Experience. In addition, Lawton fails to distinguish between states and traits, and so concludes that Neuroticism is an outcome rather than a determinant of well-being. Evidence from retest studies and experimental mood manipulation shows that Neuroticism is indeed a personality trait that may influence mood outcomes. Since measures of subjective well-being are so strongly influenced by stable personality traits, other approaches to the measurement of life quality are needed, and Lawton's identification of behavioral competence and the external environment as independent sectors of well-being is an important contribution.