Personality Development

Personality Development

Change in personality over time.

Temperament

Like a trait, but less developed
○ E.g. reactive
● Temperaments have biological basis but can and often do change

Temperaments are the building blocks of later traits
● Early temperament responses predict later personality traits

Heterotypic Continuity

Behavioral and emotional tendencies persist throughout the lifespan, but are expressed differently.

Attachment

Emotional bond between infant and caregiver(s)
● There are different attachment styles or patterns

Secure Attachment

Stable, built on trust

Insecure Attachment

Uncertain, may be anxious or avoidant
○ When caregivers neglectful, inconsistent, or insensitive to child’s needs or behaviors

Emerging Adulthood

Many people do not move onto adulthood fully until
their mid-20s
○ Often due to education or training
○ Marriage and entering stable career postponed

Usually from late teens through 20s
○ Typically in industrialized countries
○ Exploration and flexibility
○ Key time for identity
● Proposed by Jeffrey Arnett

Cumulative Continuity Principle

Personality is stable across the lifespan and stability tends to increase as we age. 

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)

Are psychotherapy and other interventions effective?
○ Research suggests CBT is highly effective
■ Increases people’s emotional stability and extraversion over time
○ Interventions and therapy can’t change all traits
■ narcissism is hard to change -> don’t see
themselves as having problem

Taking time to reflect, be conscious of actions
○ Journal
○ Regular self-reflection time
○ Talking with others