Most of us think we have a fixed and unchanging personality. Still, according to research in this field, people’s character (including feelings, thoughts, and behavior) may change over time. In this article, we talk about personality changes with age. Stay with us.
What happens to our personality as we age?
According to a 2018 study, our calmness, self-confidence, leadership, and social sensitivity increase as we age. In this research, high school students answered several questions about personality traits, first in 1960 and then 50 years later. Researchers found that with the passage of time and age, people are still consistent with their personalities. For example, if a person was extroverted in adolescence, he is also extroverted in middle age. However, the exciting point of this research was the noticeable changes in people’s personalities over time. Dr. Brent Roberts, professor and director of the Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences at the University of Illinois, describes as follows:
A consistent pattern we see in personality development is achievements that continue or accelerate with age. The changes we see in people’s personalities are completely positive changes. Gaining self-confidence, conscientiousness, and emotional stability have positive effects on our work, relationships, and health, as these qualities make us perform better in every area of life.
What important personality traits change with age?
As we age and adapt to different life challenges, noticeable changes occur in some essential personality traits. Researchers have summarized basic personality traits in 5 characteristics. These five basic features are:
- adaptation;
- Conscientiousness;
- emotional stability;
- extroversion;
- the truth
In this part of the article, we examine the change of the first three characteristics with age.
1. adaptation
Some believe that older people are grumpier, but surprisingly, research shows they become more empathetic and compassionate as they age. Think about the older adults around you. Is not their kindness and compassion the first thing that comes to mind?
According to research conducted in 2019, older people are much more empathetic than middle-aged people. Adaptability and adaptability to existing conditions are the most critical personality traits that change and increase with age.
2. Conscientiousness
As our age increases, our conscientiousness increases, and we consider ourselves responsible for more subjects and people. Responsibility, conscientiousness, fulfilling the expectations of others, and performing tasks are skills that are strengthened with age and experience.
3. Emotional stability
According to the researchers, with increasing age, the neuroticism of people decreases, and their self-esteem increases. Emotional stability is another characteristic that probably changes with time and age. Of course, there are exceptions, and some people may face challenges and problems that cause them emotional instability.
Researchers call the process of changing these three essential characteristics personality maturity because adaptability, conscientiousness, and emotional stability are desirable characteristics that improve the quality of life.
Regarding the change of 2 other characteristics, i.e. extroversion and openness, researchers have different opinions. These different opinions are caused by different research results. Some people become more outgoing and some more withdrawn as they age. The results on how to change the openness are also different.
What causes personality change?
Various factors play a role in changing people’s personality, the most important of which are:
- Genetics;
- parents;
- Spouse;
- Partners;
- sister and brother;
- community members;
- Teachers and coaches.
Personality changes in the elderly
Many people think that most personality changes occur early in life. Although childhood and adolescence are critical developmental periods, personality changes are not unique to this period. In the early years of life, we overlook many events and challenges, and later, with increasing age and experience and tasting the cold and hot times, our personality changes.
Personality change is not always positive. Sometimes, due to some problems related to old age, such as health problems, loss of a life partner, or loss of social connections, people become more withdrawn than before.
final word
Surprisingly, personality changes with age, and some essential personality traits such as adaptability, conscientiousness, and emotional stability improve over time.
Do you also feel that your personality has changed compared to a few years ago? In what aspects have you noticed the change in your personality? Please share your valuable comments and experiences with us and our dear users.
Warning! This article is only for educational purposes; to use it, it is necessary to consult a doctor or specialist.
