Openness facet
Adventurousness: a facet of openness
The adventurousness facet measures how much you like trying new things: new places, foods, activities and ways of doing things.
What adventurousness measures
Adventurousness, called actions in the NEO-PI-R, is one of six facets of openness. It captures a preference for novelty and variety over routine and the familiar.
Unlike excitement-seeking, it isn't about thrills or risk: ordering an unfamiliar dish or taking a new route home counts.
High adventurousness
High scorers get bored with routine and enjoy change for its own sake. They're first to try the new restaurant and often rearrange their lives just to keep things fresh.
- Try new foods, places and activities
- Change routines to avoid boredom
- Enjoy travel to unfamiliar places
- Welcome change
Low adventurousness
Low scorers find comfort in the familiar. They know what they like and prefer to stick with it, and value consistency and routine.
- Stick to what they know they like
- Prefer routines
- Dislike sudden changes
More openness facets
Related guides
Common questions
How is adventurousness different from excitement-seeking?
Adventurousness is about novelty and variety; excitement-seeking is about intensity and thrills. You can love new things without liking risk.
Is low adventurousness a problem?
No. Consistency brings stability and mastery. It becomes limiting only if fear of the unfamiliar keeps you from things you'd otherwise want.
For self-reflection and education only. This isn't a clinical or diagnostic tool and isn't a substitute for professional psychological or medical advice.