Some people believe personality is fixed, but more recent research suggests that personality may develop over time and that people’s personality traits can change.
Personality types group people into broad categories based on their tendencies and preferences.
Personality tests may assess how introverted or extroverted a person is, their openness and agreeableness, and how conscientious or neurotic they are.
This article looks at whether personality type can change, either through the course of a person’s life or by choice, and what factors may influence personality.
Personality is the collection of characteristics that, combined, form an individual’s distinctive character. Because personality has many influences and aspects, it is difficult to quantify scientifically.
However, various theories and personality models attempt to group personality into types.
The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) is a personality assessment developed in 1943 by Katherine Cook Briggs and Isabelle Briggs Myers. It is inspired by Carl Jung’s work and consists of 16 different personality types.
Another personality theory is the A and B personality types, which the physicians Meyer Friedman and Ray Rosenman developed.
Type A personality traits include competitiveness, ambition, impatience, and hostility. Type B personality traits are the opposite and include being easygoing with a lack of competitiveness.
The Big Five, or the five-factor model, is another personality model that uses the following five components to determine personality type:
- openness
- conscientiousness
- agreeableness
- extroversion
- neuroticism
According to the Myers Briggs Company, who provide the MBTI assessment, personality type does not change over time.
The MBTI groups personality types into 16 categories, based on a person’s tendency toward:
- introversion or extroversion
- sensing or intuition
- thinking or feeling
- judging or perceiving
A combination of these factors determines personality type, and according to the Myers-Briggs Company, stays consistent over time.
The 16 Personalities test combines the MBTI and the Big Five to create personality types. According to the 16 Personalities website, the core personality type does not change, but people may adopt different traits to adapt to certain situations.
For example, if a person is laidback and spontaneous, but a job requires high levels of organization and structure, a person may have to adopt these characteristics. However, they may revert to their core personality outside of the job.
These theories are made by the companies behind the tests, though, rather than scientific research. The companies may be biased toward their own assessments.
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Research suggests it is possible to change personality traits, but wanting to change is not enough. People may need to adopt certain behaviors relating to the traits they want to have in order to change their personality over time.
A 2021 study found that, with the help of intervention, it was possible for people to change their personality traits in the way they desired.
The study used digital intervention via an app on a smartphone to support participants toward their desired change.
The study found that people were able to decrease or increase Big Five personality traits within a few weeks, with results lasting 3 months after the intervention.
Researchers need further, long-term studies to know if these changes may last or if people revert back after a period of time.
Personality may develop due to a wide range of factors and is still under research. Some key influences
- family
- culture
- peers
- relationships
- trauma
Other factors may include:
- geography
- climate and weather
- birth order
Research suggests personality continues to develop into late adulthood, and people may generally become more conscientious, agreeable, and emotionally stable as they age.
Life experiences,
A 2020 study suggests work experiences shape and influence personality, and over time, this may lead to changes in personality traits.
The locations people live in may link to personality. A
The researchers suggested harsher, more difficult terrains may affect personality, such as being more open or adaptable.
The study found that living at different altitudes and terrains did impact personality traits, including openness, agreeableness, extraversion, and neuroticism.
In the past, people have generally thought of personality as being fixed, but recent research suggests that personality can change and develop throughout a person’s lifetime.
Many factors can affect personality. Life experiences and milestones, family, culture, and work may all influence personality.
If people want to find out more about their personality type, and whether there are traits they can change, they may want to talk with a psychologist or healthcare professional.