What distinguishes a trait from a state in personality?

• A. A trait is temporary; a state is stable across time and situations.
• B. A trait is a stable characteristic across time and situations; a state is temporary and variable.
• C. A trait is about external behavior; a state is about internal feelings.
• D. A trait is a short-term mood; a state is a long-term pattern.

Answer: (B)

In personality psychology, a trait is an enduring pattern of thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that tends to stay consistent across time and across different situations. A state, in contrast, is a temporary condition that can change from moment to moment depending on the circumstances or mood. So the best description is that a trait is stable over time and across situations, while a state is temporary and variable.

For example, someone who is generally conscientious (a trait) tends to be careful and organized in many contexts, but on a particularly stressful day they might feel overwhelmed (a state) and act differently. The other options mix up stability and duration or try to tie traits to external versus internal aspects in ways that aren’t what distinguishes traits from states.