Does Personality Change Over Time? The Science of Personality Development

Understanding Personality Stability vs. Change

Looking back at your high-school self, you might wonder: Have I fundamentally changed, or am I still the same person? Research reveals two opposing perspectives:

• Personality stability: Core traits remain consistent over time
• Personality change: Significant evolution occurs throughout life

Recent studies suggest both perspectives contain truth—the key lies in understanding which traits change and why.

The Largest Study on Personality Change

Psychology researcher Rodica Damian (University of Houston) led a groundbreaking 2018 study tracking:

• 1,795 participants from age 16 to 66
• 50-year timeframe using Big Five personality traits:
  • Openness
  • Conscientiousness
  • Extroversion
  • Agreeableness
  • Neuroticism

Key Findings on Personality Evolution

1. Group averages showed significant change:

   • Increased extroversion, agreeableness, and conscientiousness
   • Lower neuroticism (greater emotional stability)

2. Individual trajectories varied dramatically:

   • 60% developed greater social maturity
   • 40% showed little change
   • 17% developed stronger leadership traits

Why Do Some People Change While Others Don't?

Factors Influencing Personality Development

• Life experiences:

  • First romantic relationships (↑ extroversion, ↓ neuroticism)
  • Major transitions (college/work ↑ agreeableness/conscientiousness)

• Conscious effort:

  • Deliberate practice can shape traits
  • Exposure to new experiences increases openness

• Environmental influences:

  • Social circles
  • Career paths
  • Significant life events

The Big Five Personality Traits: Which Change Most?

Trait	Stability Level
Openness	High stability
Conscientiousness	Moderate stability
Agreeableness	Moderate change
Extroversion	Significant change possible
Neuroticism	Most changeable

Can You Consciously Change Your Personality?

Research confirms volitional change is possible through:

1. Targeted practice (e.g., socializing to boost extroversion)
2. Cognitive behavioral techniques
3. Mindfulness training
4. Environmental engineering (choosing growth-promoting situations)

As Damian notes: "Your personality influences the situations you choose, but the situations you choose can influence your personality."

The Philosophical Question: Is There a Stable "Self"?

These findings raise profound questions about identity:

• If our personalities evolve, what constitutes our "true" self?
• How much control do we really have over who we become?
• What does this mean for personal growth and self-improvement?

Key Takeaways

• Personality shows both stability and change over time
• Some traits (neuroticism, extroversion) change more than others
• Life experiences and conscious effort drive personality evolution
• Understanding these patterns can help guide personal development

What do you think—has your personality fundamentally changed since adolescence, or are you still recognizably the same person at your core?