Final answer:
Trait theory in psychology suggests that individuals have characteristic ways of behaving, including traits that may exhibit avoidance of the mean. However, traits are not inherently positive or negative and reflect different patterns of behavior.
Step-by-step explanation:
In psychology, the concept of trait theory suggests that all individuals have certain traits or characteristic ways of behaving. These traits can manifest in various aspects of personality, such as sociability, shyness, optimism, and pessimism. While some traits may exhibit avoidance of the mean, it is important to note that traits are not inherently positive or negative, but rather reflect different patterns of behavior. For example, individuals who exhibit high scores on the trait of avoidance may prefer to conform to group norms to avoid being singled out.