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Life Events and Personality Trait Change
Wiebke Bleidorn1, Christopher J Hopwood2, Richard E Lucas2
1University of California, Davis.
Journal of Personality
|October 8, 2016
Summary
Major life events, particularly in love and work, can influence personality trait change. However, current evidence for the precise nature of this personality change is still developing.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Personality Science
Background:
- Personality traits are considered relatively stable over time.
- Life events are theorized to impact personality development and change.
- Existing research suggests a link between significant life experiences and shifts in personality.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review prospective research on personality trait change.
- To examine the impact of nine major life events in the domains of love and work.
- To explore the relationship between specific life events and personality domains.
Main Methods:
- Review of prospective research studies.
- Analysis of personality trait changes in response to life events.
- Hypothesizing differential effects of love- versus work-related events on personality.
Main Results:
- Evidence suggests that life events can indeed lead to personality trait changes.
- Different life events appear to be associated with changes in specific personality trait domains.
- The impact of life events on personality is moderated by their lasting influence on thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.
Conclusions:
- The current evidence base regarding personality trait change due to life events is preliminary.
- Further research is needed to fully understand the nature, shape, and timing of these changes.
- Findings have implications for personality theory and future research directions.
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