Ending Soon! Save 33% on All Access

Study Says There Are 4 Personality Types. Which Is Yours? Use this research to find out if you are an optimist, a pessimist, green with envy or a trusting soul.

By Entrepreneur Staff

Stephanie Rausser | Getty Images

Spanish researchers published a study in Science Advances that says that 90 percent of the world's population falls into one of four basic personality types: Optimistic, Pessimistic, Envious and Trusting.

The study was conducted by taking groups of people and pairing them into rotating teams of two. The teams were presented with social dilemmas and were given options that led to either collaboration or conflict.

Related: 7 Steps for Keeping Conflict Healthy

Breaking down the types, the study defines Optimists as those who made choices that benefited both people in the pair. Pessimists, the study found, typically chose the lesser evil. Envious types didn't seem to care about the method as long as the result benefited them over others and Trusting people favored cooperation and collaboration with no consideration on who, if anyone, would benefit in the end.

Related: Use This Secret Military Trick to Tell if Someone Is Lying

The study found that the most people fit into the Envious category. Which do you think you fit?

Entrepreneur Staff

Entrepreneur Staff

Editor

For more than 30 years, Entrepreneur has set the course for success for millions of entrepreneurs and small business owners. We'll teach you the secrets of the winners and give you exactly what you need to lay the groundwork for success.

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Business News

Apple iPhone 7 Users May Be Owed a Slice of a $35 Million Settlement — Here's How to Claim Your Share

Previous (and current, no judgment) iPhone 7 users may be entitled to up to $349. The deadline to file a claim is June 3.

Business News

Did OpenAI steal Scarlett Johansson's voice? 5 Critical Lessons for Entrepreneurs in The AI Era

Did OpenAI steal Scarlett Johansson's voice? OpenAI has since paused the "Sky" voice feature, but Johansson argues that this is no coincidence. In response, Johansson delivers a masterclass for entrepreneurs on navigating the AI era successfully.

Business Ideas

63 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2024

We put together a list of the best, most profitable small business ideas for entrepreneurs to pursue in 2024.

Innovation

How Corporate Investment Helps Startups Deploy Technology Faster Than Ever

Financial resources, strategic alignment, access to expertise, market validation and operational support make this deployment possible.