Research has consistently showed a positive effect on recovery from physical illness, when psychological counseling is provided to people with serious medical illnesses, in addition to traditional medical treatment. Traits and characteristics are the same thing. A trait is a distinguishing characteristic, feature or quality. In psychological terms, we usually think about personality traits and behavioral characteristics that define an individual. We all have traits.
Psychologists often refer to personality traits or characteristics.
The unique combination of personality traits we each possess makes us individuals. But, certain traits have become associated with psychological problems. For example, if someone is very neat and orderly, many people might call them obsessive-compulsive. Many psychologists have studied personality traits, and have attempted to identify or define all of the different human characteristics. Of course, there is continuing debate about how many different personality traits exist.