Belief That Personality Doesn't Change Is Reversed: It Changes as Much as Health and Income

The long-held belief that personality is fixed after adulthood may be a misconception, according to new research. Contrary to the common saying, "personality doesn't change," studies suggest that our core traits evolve throughout our lives, much like our health or income.

Researchers analyzed data from over 160,000 individuals across multiple countries. Their findings revealed that personality traits, particularly conscientiousness, extraversion, and openness, change significantly over time. In fact, the cumulative changes in personality were found to be comparable to, or even greater than, changes in subjective health, income, self-esteem, and life satisfaction.

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Personality doesn't change.

This research highlights a substantial underestimation of personality change among the general population. Participants in one study predicted that personality would change very little compared to factors like health or income. The study suggests that life experiences, such as career progression, marriage, parenthood, new relationships, illness, and aging, all contribute to shaping our personalities.

While the study emphasizes that personality is not static, it does not imply that individuals can arbitrarily change their personality at will. The changes observed are averages across large groups, and individual trajectories can vary. However, understanding personality as a lifelong developmental process, rather than a fixed entity, could shift perspectives on personal growth and the potential for change.

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That's just my personality