Abstract
In this article we give an overview about theoretical and empirical work on personality development in adulthood and old age from a lifespan development perspective. We first introduce personality traits as the units of analysis for this review. Then we argue that the lifespan development perspective exhibits a helpful theoretical background for the scientific study of personality development. Specifically, we make the case that personality development is a lifelong process that is not completed at a specific age or life period. Furthermore, we give an overview of empirical research on personality trait development in adulthood and old age by means of six different types of change and stability. Finally, we conclude with discussion of future directions.
Allemand, Mathias