Personality traits become more stable during early life before reaching a plateau
In short: A meta-analysis of 242,542 individuals found that the stability of personality traits increases significantly during early life. While these increases coincide with shifts toward greater maturity, researchers found little evidence that rank-order stability continues to increase after age 25.
By analyzing longitudinal studies published since 2005, researchers provided a more precise timeline for personality development. They observed that while emotional stability increases more substantially across the lifespan than previously thought, overall mean-level changes are slightly smaller than earlier estimates.
The study utilized a meta-analysis of large-scale longitudinal data, though the findings may vary depending on whether researchers measure broad personality domains or narrower, maladaptive traits.
Why it matters: Personality becomes more stable as we age, but this process seems to level off in our mid-twenties.
Opens the Intellect+ feed with this card first. Swipe up for the next one.
Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Research: Bleidorn et al. (2022). Personality stability and change: A meta-analysis of longitudinal studies. Psychological Bulletin.
To cite this card, link to https://intellectplus.co.uk/app/ideas-research-personality-traits-become-more-stable-during-early-life-befo.
How we source, check and correct cards: Editorial standards.
General information, not professional advice. Spotted an error? Flag the card or see corrections and complaints.
Intellect Plus is a visual educational discovery platform for exploring fascinating facts and ideas. Brain Food, Not Brain Rot. What is Intellect Plus?
