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Long-Term Effects of an Extensive Cognitive Training on Personality Development
Julia Sander1,2,3, Florian Schmiedek1,4,5, Annette Brose1,6
1German Institute for Economic Research (DIW Berlin).
Journal of Personality
|March 22, 2016
Summary
Extensive cognitive training did not lead to long-term changes in Openness to Experience. However, it did reduce the natural increase in Conscientiousness among participants.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Cognitive Science
- Personality Psychology
Background:
- Previous studies indicated cognitive training boosts Openness to Experience.
- The long-term effects of extensive cognitive training on personality remain under-investigated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine if extensive cognitive training impacts Openness to Experience and other Big Five personality traits long-term.
- To assess changes in personality facets 2 years post-intervention.
Main Methods:
- A longitudinal study involving 204 adults in an intervention group and 86 in a control group.
- Participants underwent daily cognitive training for ~100 days, with personality assessed pre- and 2-years post-training using the NEO Five-Factor Inventory.
- Latent change models analyzed personality shifts, controlling for age and gender.
Main Results:
- Cognitive training did not significantly alter Openness to Experience or its facets in the long run for any age or gender group.
- A notable finding was a reduction in the general increase of Conscientiousness in the intervention group compared to the control group.
Conclusions:
- Extensive cognitive training focused on memory and perceptual speed is insufficient for inducing enduring changes in Openness to Experience.
- The intervention appeared to dampen the natural increase in Conscientiousness, suggesting potential trade-offs in personality adaptation.
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