Hawaii Sample
Trait	Description
Adaptable	Copes easily and successfully with new and strange situations; bravely faces up to uncertainty.
Assertive	Bossy; usually attempts to direct the actions of others; is convinced his (her) way is the best way of doing things; shows others “how things should be done.”
Careful of personal belongings	Takes good care of things which belong to him (her); becomes concerned when possessions are missing and searches for them. Keeps his (her) own things neat, clean, and in order.
Careless of others’ property	Seldom or never concerned about the possibility of damage to others’ belongings; borrowed things are often returned broken or dirty; loses or forgets to return borrowed things.
Complains about others	Frequently complains about what others are saying about or doing to him (her); asks adult to intervene and change the behavior of others.
Concerned about acceptance	Expresses concern about real or imagined rebuffs and slights from others; unable to take his (her) relationship with others for granted; worries that he (she) may lose friends or that others will not like him (her).
Conscientious	Honest; knows what is right and generally does it even if no one is watching; tells the truth even when this is difficult; does not attempt to deceive others.
Considerate	Thoughtful of others; sensitive to others’ feelings; cannot do things which hurt others’ feelings; sympathetic when others are in trouble and tries to help.
Curious	Given to wondering and musing about the why and wherefore of things; examines things closely; asks questions.
Eccentric	Has interests and views which are different from those of others children; acts differently from others; not interested in wearing the same clothes or doing the same things as others are wearing and doing; goes his (her) own, rather off-beat way.
Energetic	Active; full of pep; vigorous; movements are quick, darting.
Esthetically sensitive	Notices and responds with pleasure to beauty in his (her) surroundings; enjoys art and/or music.
Fearful	Has many fears and worries, some of which are unreasonable; easily becomes alarmed or frightened.
Fickle	Changes frequently in interests, opinions, and pursuits; “flighty;” starts one thing and shifts to another.
Fidgets	Finds it difficult to sit still, frequently changing position; often “doodles” or manipulates objects for no reason other than to be doing something.
Gregarious	Likes to be with others and seeks their company; spends as much time with others as possible; dislikes being alone.
Happy	Joyful; has a sunny disposition; enjoys life; gives impression of contentment with the way things are going for him (her).
Imaginative	Has an active, vivid imagination; very fanciful; sees possibilities overlooked by others.
Impulsive	Behavior always seems very close “to the surface;” often acts before the appropriate moment; finds it difficult to hold back; often acts or speaks without thinking of possible consequences.
Irresponsible	Does not take his (her) assigned duties seriously; cannot be depended upon to carry out assigned tasks.
Jealous	Envies and begrudges the accomplishments of others; is disturbed when others are shown special attention or given special favors; shows disappointment or annoyance when others are praised.
Lethargic	Slow moving; seldom or never runs or hurries; unresponsive or slow to react; works slowly.
Mannerly	Has good manners; knows what to say and do when introduced to others; has a sense of “good form” and behaves accordingly; uses “Please” and “Thank you” properly.
Neat in appearance	Careful about clothes and appearance; dislikes being dirty or disheveled; is usually well groomed.
Nervous habits	Has a great variety of nervous habits (e.g., nail-biting, grimacing, ties, hair twisting, pencil chewing, etc.).
Original	Has remarkably novel and different ideas and/or solutions to problems; thinking and behavior are characterized by unusual approaches.
Outspoken	Speaks his (her) mind without reservation or hesitation; seldom or never hesitates to express views and opinions on any subject.
Persevering	Keeps at his work until it is completed; sees a job through despite difficulties; painstaking and thorough.
Planful	Behavior, including play, is purposeful; attacks work in systematic fashion.
Restless	Constantly or frequently moves about the room; unable to settle down after activity period or recess.
Rigid	Has difficulty adapting to change of to new situations; prefers to keep old ways and routines, even where these are obviously inappropriate.
Rude	Insolent and sassy to others; often gives impression he (she) goes out of his (her) way to be discourteous to others.
Seclusive	Dislikes group activities and games; prefers to be by self or in company of one or two others; dislikes being in a crowd.
Self-minimizing	Tends to minimize own importance; humble; never brags or shows off; seeks out or is content with less important tasks or positions.
Socially confident	Approaches others without hesitation; shows poise when performing before others.
Spiteful	Deliberately does or says things which annoy or hurt others; says hateful things about others; belittles others.
Submissive	Usually easily led or persuaded by others; seldom or never sticks up for own rights; gives in easily in arguments.
Touchy	Very sensitive to criticism; cries, pouts, or sulks when criticized; does not take well to jokes or pranks on him (her).
Verbally fluent	Speech seems to “pour out,” often in a torrent of words, sometimes making it difficult to understand him (her).